Fig. 5.

Function of antithrombin. Schematic overview of the anticoagulant function of antithrombin (AT) and the mediation of anti-inflammation through glycosaminoglycan (GAG) binding at the endothelial cell (EC) with subsequent release of prostacyclin (PGI₂). Until now, it was not clarified whether the antithrombotic potency of AT is exclusively based on its solitary anticoagulant capacity or if it might also depend on its anti-inflammatory mode of action. The data in the here-presented study indicates that the anti-inflammatory property of AT is a prerequisite for mediating adequate anticoagulation