Comparative study of protamine chloride and sulphate in relation to the heparin rebound phenomenon

The heparin rebound phenomenon is observed when protamine sulphate, but not protamine chloride, is employed for the neutralization of heparin. On investigating the stability of several protamine compounds towards the protaminolytic activity of human plasma, we found that while protamine chloride was stable, both the sulphate and the phosphate were degradeable. The free base showed intermediary stability which persisted upon its conversion to either chloride or sulphate. Likewise, conversion of the sulphate into the chloride by means of an ion exchange column, did not alter its sensitivity. Apparently, the stability of protamine derivatives is not influenced by the specific anion bound to them but is rather acquired in the course of the manufacturing procedures involved in their preparation.