Principal coagulation factors and natural anticoagulants in the armadillo Chaetophractus villosus (Mammalia, Xenarthra, Dasypodidae)

Blood coagulation is an important process regulated by a large number of proteins, which transform fibrinogen into fibrin. This mechanism was identified in several species other than humans. In this work we study the coagulation factors and principal natural anticoagulants in armadillos (Chaetophractus villosus). Coagulation factors FVII, FXII, FIX, FXI, FX, FVIII, FV, antithrombin (AT), protein C (PC), and protein S (PS) were identified. The activities of all factors were homogeneous for both sexes. Correlation studies showed associations between FVII and FX, FVII and FIX, FVII and FXI, FIX and FXI, and FIX and FX. Sex-related differences were observed for PS but not for AT or PC. There was positive correlation between PS and FV in females. These data constitute the first contribution to the knowledge of the proteins participating in the coagulation in this species and they demonstrate that the hemostatic process is similar in the armadillos and man.