Effects of anticoagulants on leukocyte extracellular trap release

Abstract

When recognizing pathogenic microorganisms, leukocytes release extracellular DNA as part of their biological defense system. In-circuit blood clotting is a problem encountered when implementing acute blood purification therapy. Although anticoagulants are used to prevent this problem, the effect of anticoagulants on leukocyte extracellular DNA release in sepsis is unknown. In this study, blood was taken from rats under general anesthesia and anticoagulated with citric acid or unfractionated heparin (UFH). Then, the blood was stimulated with lipopolysaccharide and observed using a fluorescence microscope. Blood anticoagulated with UFH had more extracellular DNA components than blood anticoagulated with citric acid. Therefore, UFH may promote extracellular DNA release under septic conditions.