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. 2012 Jul 27;2012:bcr0220125759. doi: 10.1136/bcr.02.2012.5759

Table 1.

Important biologically ingredients in leech saliva and potential functions1

Molecule Potential function
Hirudin Inhibitor of thrombin, blocking formation of fibrin clots
Histamine-like substance Increasing vascular permeability in the host
Saratin Binds to exposed host collagen in ruptured blood vessels and inhibits attachment of von Willebrand factor
Calin Binds to exposed host collagen in ruptured blood vessels and inhibits attachment of von Willebrand factor
Hyaluronidase Cleaves hyaluronic acid in host extracellular matrix
Collagenase Cleaves collagen in host extracellular matrix
Apyrase Cleaves adenosine 5’-diphosphate (ADP), inhibition of platelet activation
Destabilase Cleavage of isopeptide bonds in stabilised fibrin, thrombolysis