Plasma Heparin Levels

Abstract

Endogenous plasma heparin was determined in 147 males and 113 females. Serum cholesterol was measured in the entire group, and low-density lipoproteins were ultracentrifugally analyzed in 131 males aud 77 females. Statistical analysis of the data showed a definitely significant ( p <.01) negative correlation between heparin on the one hand and serum cholesterol and Sf 12-400 lipoproteins on the other in males. In females the correlation between heparin and cholesterol was negative but fell short of the 5 per cent level of significance. The correlation between heparin and Sf 12-400 lipoproteins was negative and statistically definitely significant ( p <.01). The correlation with the Sf 0-12 lipoproteins was also negative and probably significant ( p <.05). These results afford substantial evidence that a relative deficiency of circulating heparin rin is one of the important causative factors leading to elevated levels of serum lipid.