The Thrombin-Antithrombin Complex keeps clotting in check.
Thrombin-Antithrombin (TAT) Complex is a parameter of coagulation (= the process by which a blood clot is formed in order to stop bleeding) and fibrinolysis (= prevents blood clots that occur naturally from growing and causing problems).
Deficiencies may aid in understanding hypercoagulable states. Elevated concentrations have been associated with vascular complications associated with diabetes.
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The presence of TAT indicates ongoing thrombin formation and the consumption of antithrombin. Upon activation of coagulation, antithrombin complexes with thrombin as well as other serine proteases.
Complex formation is greatly enhanced by the presence of heparin or other glycosaminoglycans. The reaction initially is reversible, but becomes irreversible following the formation of a covalent bond between antithrombin and thrombin. This binding results in complete inhibition of thrombin's activity.
A normal TAT level in the presence of an elevated D-dimer may indicate an old thrombus.
References:
Harenberg, J. (1999). Thrombin-antithrombin (TAT) complexes. In: Jespersen, J., Bertina, R.M., Haverkate, F. (eds) Laboratory Techniques in Thrombosis — a Manual. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-4722-4_22
Thrombin-Antithrombin TAT
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