American Society of Hirudotherapy

Effect of ingestion on antithrombin activity in different tissues of Whitmania pigra

Basic science / pharmacology published in Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi (2018)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Preclinical (animal)Salivary PharmacologyGenomics & ProteomicsWu MJ et al. · China journal of Chinese materia medica, 2018

Abstract

To study the effects of ingestion on antithrombin activities in different tissues of Whitmania pigra, the salivary glands, ingluvies, intestine and muscle of adult leeches were weighted on the 1st d, 3rd d, 5th d, 7th d and 11th d after feeding, respectively, and meanwhile antithrombin activity was measured by antithrombin titration method. The results showed that the antithrombin activity of salivary glands in different stages was significantly higher than that in other tissues (P<0.05). The activity of antithrombin in muscle tissue increased initially and then decreased with the prolongation of the time after feeding, and the peak was observed on the 5th day after feeding (P<0.05). The activity of antithrombin in the salivary glands, gluvies and intestine were found the highest on the 1st day after feeding(P<0.05), and then gradually decreased with the prolongation of the time of stopping the diet. The total amount of antithrombin activity on the 5th day was increased by 49.5%, 73.5%, 69.1% and 126.0% comparing with the 1st, 3rd, 7th and 11th day after feeding, respectively (P<0.05). In summary, both the feeding behavior and the food can induce the secretion of anticoagulant substances in the salivary glands and the digestive tract. The total amount of antithrombin activity was the highest on the 5th day after feeding and the 5th day after feeding was suggested as harvesting time.

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

Publication typeJournal Article
Indexed MeSH termsAnimalsAnticoagulantsAntithrombinsFeeding BehaviorLeechesSalivary Glands

Summary

Pharmacological characterization of antithrombin activity across Whitmania pigra tissues (salivary glands, ingluvies, intestine, muscle) at days 1, 3, 5, 7, 11 post-feeding. Peak total activity day 5; recommended as optimal harvesting time.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

Optimizing leech-harvest timing for maximum anticoagulant yield in Whitmania pigra production.

Citation

Effect of ingestion on antithrombin activity in different tissues of Whitmania pigra.

Wu MJ et al. · China journal of Chinese materia medica, 2018

Added to ASH library: May 27, 2026 · Site last updated: June 18, 2026

This website provides educational information and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Medicinal leech therapy carries clinically meaningful risks and should be performed only by qualified clinicians under institutionally approved protocols. FDA 510(k) clearance for medicinal leeches is limited to specific indications; investigational and off-label discussions are labeled accordingly. For patient-specific guidance, consult a qualified healthcare provider.