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Functional Alteration in the Prothrombin Molecule

Nature volume 195, pages 1305–1306 (1962)Cite this article

Abstract

PROTHROMBIN is the central protein involved in the blood-clotting mechanisms, and is of great importance in normal physiological functions. From the point of view of health ordeals, reduced activity is associated with hæmorrhagic diseases and excess with thrombosis. As a consequence knowledge about this molecule is of special importance. Prothrombin has been isolated from plasma1, and is the source of two enzymes ; namely, thrombin, which clots fibrinogen, and autoprothrombin C, which catalyses the activation of prothrombin2. In addition to these two enzymes at least three intermediates of prothrombin activation are known and have been called autoprothrombin I (ref. 3), autoprothrombin II (ref. 4) and prothrombin-R (ref. 5).

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Author notes

  1. EWA MARCINIAK: Rockefeller Foundation Fellow.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan

    EWA MARCINIAK, EDMOND R. COLE & WALTER H. SEEGERS

Authors
  1. EWA MARCINIAK
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  2. EDMOND R. COLE
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  3. WALTER H. SEEGERS
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MARCINIAK, E., COLE, E. & SEEGERS, W. Functional Alteration in the Prothrombin Molecule. Nature 195, 1305–1306 (1962). https://doi.org/10.1038/1951305a0

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