protamine sulfate

Uses

Antidote (to heparin).

Uses

Protamine sulfate has been used in the transduction of

• lentiviruses into human embryonic 293T cells
• shRNA into mesenchymal stem cells/marrow stromal cells (MSC)
• lenti Sca1-OCT4 plasmid into human cord blood hematopoietic progenitor CD34⁺ cells

General Description

Protamine sulfate has an anticoagulanteffect, but if used in the proper amount, it counteractsthe action of heparin and is used as an antidote for thelatter in cases of overdosage. It is administered intravenouslyin a dose that depends on the circumstances.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Alkaline protamine binds to negatively charged heparin. Use of protamine during cardiovascular surgery sometime triggers anaphylactic reactions.

Veterinary Drugs and Treatments

Protamine is used in all species for the treatment of heparin overdosage when significant bleeding occurs. While protamine will neutralize the anti-thrombin effects of low molecular weight heparins (e.g., dalteparin or enoxaparin), it does not completely inhibit their anti-Xa activity. Laboratory animal studies however, shows it does improve microvascular bleeding associated with LMWH overdoses. Protamine has been suggested for use for Bracken Fern toxicity in ruminants (see Doses).