Which agent can be administered in the perioperative period to reverse the anticoagulation effects of heparin?

Protamine is the correct choice for reversing the anticoagulation effects of heparin during the perioperative period. Heparin is an anticoagulant medication that is often used to prevent blood clots during surgical procedures. However, in situations where there is a need to reverse its effects, such as prior to a surgical procedure to reduce the risk of bleeding, protamine sulfate can be administered effectively.

Protamine works by neutralizing heparin due to its positive charge, which binds to the negatively charged heparin molecules, thereby reversing their anticoagulant effect. This is particularly useful in managing the timing of heparin administration relative to surgical procedures, allowing for safer surgical conditions.

In contrast, vitamin K is utilized to reverse the effects of anticoagulants like warfarin, not heparin. Leukotriene is unrelated to coagulation reversal and serves a different role in inflammatory responses. Warfarin is another anticoagulant that works through a different mechanism and requires vitamin K for reversal, further emphasizing the need for protamine when dealing specifically with heparin. Thus, protamine is the most appropriate agent for this particular scenario.