Tissue factor and factor VII: initiation of blood coagulation

Published on October 1, 2007 Reviewed on December 15, 2015   26 min

A selection of talks on Clinical Practice

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0:00
The title of this module is Tissue Factor and Factor VII -.Initiation of Blood Coagulation. My name is John McVey.
0:09
The learning objectives are to introduce the coagulation network, to give you an understanding of how this complex process is regulated, and how it functions at the molecular level. In particular, focusing on the role of Tissue Factor and Factor VII complex in initiating coagulation, looking at their structure and function but also the role of tissue factor pathway inhibitor and regulating the activity of this initiation complex. Finally, I will discuss the pathophysiological consequences of inappropriate expression or deficiency.
0:43
The ability to stem the flow of body fluids at the sight of vascular injury is a very primitive defense mechanism. This is critical for the survival of any multicellular organism, both in preventing loss but also preventing entry of organisms and pathogens. Organisms have adopted a variety of different methods to achieve this, tissue contraction, cellular aggregation, and the formation and deposition of molecular glues.
1:10
Vertebrates have evolved a complex system that includes blood vessel constriction, cellular aggregation involving specialized cells, platelets, and the deposition of an insoluble polymer fibrin, that results in the formation of a stable clot at the site of injury. In this scanning electron micrograph, you can see the fibrin mesh work in trapping red and white blood cells. Although this teaching session will focus on the processes that regulate the initiation of coagulation leading to Thrombin generation and the formation of a stable fibrin clot, it should be appreciated that the process of platelet activation and Thrombin generation are intimately linked. Platelets provide a surface for the promotion and assembly of procoagulant complexes and a source of coagulation factors. Conversely, Thrombin is a potent activator of platelets.

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