The role of blood cells and of the vessel wall in the induction of intravascular coagulation

Summary Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a threatened complication of infection, particularly with gram-negative bacteria. After a discussion of possible mechanims of activation of the extrinsic and intrinsic pathways of thrombin formation, it is concluded that the effects of endotoxins on endothelial cells and leukocytes most likely stand at the beginning of the chain of events which leads to manifest DIC.