Sociedad Americana de Hirudoterapia

Calin--a platelet adhesion inhibitor from the saliva of the medicinal leech

Research article published in Blood Coagul Fibrinolysis (1991)

Última actualización: June 18, 2026Revisado por: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Research reportFarmacología salivalDesarrollo de fármacosMunro R et al. · Blood Coagul Fibrinolysis, 1991

Abstract

The saliva of the medicinal leech, Hirudo medicinalis, contains a potent, hitherto unsuspected, inhibitor of collagen-mediated platelet adhesion/aggregation. Calin, of molecular size approximately 65,000 (reduced), has a rapid (1-10 min) effect on collagen which is reflected in its ability to suppress collagen-induced platelet aggregation, as well as adhesion of platelets to collagen-coated microcarrier beads. It also causes flocculation of Type I collagen fibril suspensions. Calin is differentiated from leech collagenase in two ways: (1) by demonstrating, by SDS-PAGE analysis of the products of incubations of Calin with Type I collagen at 37 degrees C, that Calin binds to but does not cleave collagen; and (2) by showing that Calin cannot be purified using the methods used to isolate leech collagenase. Calin's rapid and unusual interaction with collagen makes it a prime candidate for one of the agents that are the causative factors of the prolonged bleeding phenomenon seen after leech bites.

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

Publication typeJournal ArticleResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Indexed MeSH termsAnimalsCollagenHumansInvertebrate HormonesLeechesPlatelet AdhesivenessPlatelet AggregationPlatelet Aggregation InhibitorsProtein BindingProtein ConformationSalivaSalivary Proteins and Peptides

Resumen

Calin from Hirudo medicinalis saliva is a potent inhibitor of collagen-mediated platelet adhesion/aggregation with rapid effect on collagen; binds to but does not cleave collagen.

Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia

This study identifies and characterizes Calin, an approximately 65,000 Da (reduced) protein from the saliva of Hirudo medicinalis that inhibits collagen-mediated platelet adhesion and aggregation. Calin rapidly interacts with collagen (1–10 min), suppresses collagen-induced platelet aggregation, inhibits platelet adhesion to collagen-coated microcarrier beads, and flocculates Type I collagen fibril suspensions; SDS-PAGE confirmed it binds but does not cleave collagen, distinguishing it from leech collagenase. For ASH, this is directly relevant as Calin is identified as a candidate causative factor for the prolonged bleeding phenomenon after leech bites. Caveat: This is an in vitro biochemical characterization with no in vivo, animal, or clinical data presented.

Citación

Calin--a platelet adhesion inhibitor from the saliva of the medicinal leech.

Munro R et al. · Blood Coagul Fibrinolysis, 1991

DOI

Contexto clínico relacionado

Explore cómo esta investigación se conecta con la práctica clínica

Salivary Gland SecretionAnti-Inflammatory MechanismsSalivary ComplexDrug PipelineDrug DevelopmentDirect Thrombin InhibitorsOtolaryngology

Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 27, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: June 18, 2026

Este sitio web proporciona información educativa y no constituye consejo médico, diagnóstico ni recomendaciones de tratamiento. La terapia con sanguijuelas medicinales conlleva riesgos clínicamente significativos y debe ser realizada únicamente por profesionales calificados bajo protocolos aprobados institucionalmente. La autorización 510(k) de la FDA para sanguijuelas medicinales se limita a indicaciones específicas; las discusiones sobre uso investigativo y fuera de indicación se señalan correspondientemente. Para orientación médica específica, consulte a un profesional de salud calificado.