An Electron Microscopic Study of Thrombin-Induced Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation

Fibrin thrombi due to slow intravascular coagulation appear simultaneouslyin rat kidney, liver, lung, and spleen, although the kidney is the only organto show fibrin by light microscopy. The strands of fibrin are frequentlyassociated with aggregation and viscous metamorphosis of platelets, particularly in the lungs. Some fibrin is eliminated by the reticuloendothelial systemand through damaged glomeruli, but the major mechanism of removal isintravascular dissolution. Ischemic changes secondary to thrombosis are moreprominent in glomerular capillaries than in other tissues. The morphologicobservations are discussed in relation to "preparation" for the generalizedShwartzman reaction.

Submitted on January 17, 1966 Accepted on August 2, 1966