American Society of Hirudotherapy

Evidence for the identity of hirudin isolated after kidney passage with the starting material

Research article published in Folia Haematol Int Mag Klin Morphol Blutforsch (1988)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Preclinical (animal)Salivary PharmacologyDrug DevelopmentHenschen A et al. · Folia Haematol Int Mag Klin Morphol Blutforsch, 1988

Abstract

Natural, sulfated and recombinant, non-sulfated hirudin preparations re-isolated from urine after kidney passage were compared with the corresponding administered preparations by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, and by amino acid sequence and composition analysis. It could be demonstrated that the hirudins were excreted in unmodified form. Natural hirudin could be fractionated by the chromatographic system used into a large number of isoinhibitor forms, some of which were shown to differ from each other in their amino acid sequence.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Publication typeJournal Article
Indexed MeSH termsAmino Acid SequenceAmino AcidsAnimalsChromatography, High Pressure LiquidDogsHirudinsKidney

Summary

Natural sulfated and recombinant non-sulfated hirudin re-isolated from urine excreted in unmodified form; multiple hirudin isoinhibitor forms differentiable by HPLC.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This study compared natural, sulfated and recombinant, non-sulfated hirudin preparations re-isolated from urine after kidney passage with the corresponding administered preparations, using reversed-phase HPLC and amino acid sequence and composition analysis. The findings demonstrated that both hirudin forms were excreted in unmodified form, and that natural hirudin could be fractionated into multiple isoinhibitor forms, some differing in amino acid sequence. Hirudin is an anticoagulant substance from medicinal leeches, making this study relevant to understanding the structural stability and heterogeneity of a leech-derived anticoagulant. However, the abstract does not specify the species studied, the investigation examines isolated hirudin rather than whole leech therapy, and there is no direct hirudotherapy or leech application component described, so its relevance to clinical practice is indirect.

Citation

Evidence for the identity of hirudin isolated after kidney passage with the starting material.

Henschen A et al. · Folia Haematol Int Mag Klin Morphol Blutforsch, 1988

DOIPubMed

Added to ASH library: May 27, 2026 · Site last updated: June 18, 2026

This website provides educational information and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Medicinal leech therapy carries clinically meaningful risks and should be performed only by qualified clinicians under institutionally approved protocols. FDA 510(k) clearance for medicinal leeches is limited to specific indications; investigational and off-label discussions are labeled accordingly. For patient-specific guidance, consult a qualified healthcare provider.