Medicinal leeches: their medical use in the therapy clinic
Isakhanian, G.S.; Arutiunian, V.M.
Terapevticheskii Arkhiv 63(8): 110-112
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0040-3660 PMID: 1792597 Document Number: 376214
The authors analyze the laboratory and instrumental data obtained before and after single administration of leeches. Demonstrate that the animal's saliva corrects the coagulation properties of the circulating blood; inhibits platelet aggregation; that it may be used for blood letting; possesses hypotensive and anti-sclerotic properties; improves myocardial supply and its contractility. Based on a large clinical material the authors provide evidence for advisability of the use of hirudotherapy in patients suffering from coronary heart disease, essential hypertension, atherosclerosis, chronic cer pulmonale, and circulatory decompensation.