Effects of Protamine Sulfate, Heparin and Mercuric Chloride on Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rates

Protamine Sulfate (PS) is commonly administered in cardiovascular surgery to neutralize the anticoagulant effect of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMHW). The purpose of this study was to find the individual and combined effects of PS, LMWH, and mercuric chloride on the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) of human blood. Our results showed that the samples (n=11) containing mercuric chloride retarded ESR values compared to control values. Samples (n=11) containing mercuric chloride coupled with either PS or LMWH showed a synergistic effect and retarded ESR values furthermore. Finally, samples (n=11) containing all three reagents did not show a significant difference in ESR values when compared to the control.