Induction of disseminated intravascular coagulation by endotoxin and saline loading in rats I. The influence on fibrinogen turnover and plasma parameters

In rats a single injection of 1 mg endotoxin and a subsequent infusion of normal saline induced a disseminated intravascular coagulation. A nearly complete defibrination and a decrease of platelets coincided with high amounts of plasma hemoglobin and fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products. Fibrinogen kinetics were investigated by use of 131-I-fibrinogen. The biological half life was 24.1 hours corresponding to a catabolic rate of 78 mg/24h/kg b.w. After triggering the intravascular coagulation the turnover of 131-I-fibrinogen revealed three phases: 1. “acute phase” with a catabolic rate of approx. 780 mg/24h/kg b.w., 2. “subacute phase” with a catabolic rate of 274 mg/24h/kg b.w. and 3. “repair phase” with a catabolic rate approximating to normal values. During the “subacute phase” the fibrinogen level increased above normal, demonstrating that in spite of an increased fibrinogen catabolism due to DIC elevated plasma fibrinogen levels can be found.