Answer: A. Glycosaminoglycan

Explanation: Heparin is a non-uniform mixture of straight chain mucopolysaccharides (glycosaminoglycan) with molecular weight 10,000 to 20,000.

♦ Heparin is a glycosaminoglycan found in the secretory granules of mast cells.

♦ Heparin carries strong electronegative charges and is the strongest organic acid present in the body.

♦ Heparin is commonly extracted from porcine intestinal mucosa, which is rich in mast cells, and preparations may contain small amounts of other glycosaminoglycans.

Reference: Page no: 617, Chapter: Drugs Affecting Coagulation, Bleeding and Thrombosis, KD Tripathi-Essentials of Medical Pharmacology/ 7e. Chapter 30. Blood Coagulation and Anticoagulant, Fibrinolytic, and Antiplatelet Drugs. In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC. eds. Goodman & Gilman’s The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 12e.

Answer: C. Protamine

Explanation: The most common side effect of heparin is bleeding. Heparin-treated patients with serious bleeding can be given protamine sulfate to neutralize the heparin. Protamine sulfate binds heparin with high affinity, and the resultant protamine-heparin complexes are then cleared. Typically, 1 mg of protamine sulfate neutralizes 100 units of heparin.

Reference: Harrisons principles of internal medicine, 18th edition, Page: 994.