Function
Hirudin (Hir) is a powerful anticoagulant which is found in the leech salivary glands. It is an inhibitor of thrombin (Thr) which converts fibrinogen to fibrin upon blood clotting[1]. Thrombin is produced upon enzymatic cleavage of prothrombin (ProThr). Hirugen (Hirg) is a dodecapeptide of the C-terminal of Hir (sequence NDGDFEEIPEEYL). For additional details see Sean Swale/Human Thrombin Inhibitor.
Relevance
Hirudin is an effective local treatment in patients with mild to moderate bruises[2]. Hirudin was approved as treatment of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and unstable angina[3].
