EN
Hirudin is well known antithrombotic agent with potentially wide application in the clinical treatment of the diseases of circulatory system.In this review the autors discuss biochemical and functional properties of natural hirudins as well as recombinant forms of the protein.The genetic engineering approaches to hirudin expression as well as the methods and techniques of protein isolation and purification are discussed and summarized.We emphasize the most important advantages potentially originationg from the clinical use of hirudin as a specific thrombin inhibitor, and its potential role in clinical practice, particularly in regard to heparin preparations.