The mode of action of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) towards thrombus formation in a rat arteriovenous shunt was studied by simultaneous examination of thrombus weight, platelet consumption and thrombin generation during 45 min of blood circulation. A comparison was made between the effects of heparin, the heparinoid Org 10172 (Orgaran), and the chemically synthesized methoxy derivative of the antithrombin III binding pentasaccharide fragment of heparin (Org 31540). All three compounds inhibited thrombus growth by 30% at a dose of 80 anti-Xa U/kg i. v. when assessed after 15 min of circulation through the shunt. In addition, a systemic decrease of 27% of platelet numbers in the placebo group was inhibited by heparin and Orgaran with 63% and by pentasaccharide with 48%. At a later stage, after 45 min of circulation, at comparable plasma anti-Xa levels, thrombi which had formed in the presence of Orgaran or pentasaccharide, but not in the presence of heparin, became less or non thrombogenic. This non-thrombogenicity was reflected by i) an inhibition of the local deposition of [51Cr]platelets of 75% with Orgaran and of 57% with pentasaccharide, and ii) an inhibition of ex-vivo thrombus-induced thrombin generation in pooled rat plasma of 67% with Orgaran and of 52% with pentasaccharide (inhibition compared to placebo). Although the mechanism of inducing non-thrombogenicity of a (developing) thrombus by Orgaran and pentasaccharide requires further investigation, the suppression of the local thrombin generation potency, measured by thrombus-induced thrombin generation in pooled plasma, is much more correlated with thrombus growth than systemic anticoagulant activity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)