STUDIES IN INTRAVASCULAR COAGULATION. III. THE PATHOGENESIS OF SERUM-INDUCED VENOUS THROMBOSIS 12

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Abstract
In this laboratory an experimental method was developed whereby, in dogs, the systemic infusion of serum fractions has routinely produced venous thrombosis under conditions of simple stasis. Serum fractions prepared by barium sulfate adsorption and citrate elution are rich in SPCA (convertin) and its precursor, pro-SPCA, (proconvertin) but are devoid of significant amounts of prothrombin, thrombin, thromboplastin and Ac-globulin. Antecubital vein infusions of these SPCA-rich preparations routinely induced rapid thrombus formation in jugular vein segments completely isolated immediately after infusion. Direct venous narrowing or external application of tourniquets to intact extremities immediately after these infusions similarly induced coagulation distal to the obstructed areas. The studies herein described provide experimental evidence for the concept that minute amounts of active SPCA (contrasted with inactive pro-SPCA) may under conditions of simple stasis initiate extensive intravascular clotting. Significant endothelial injury need not be involved in this reaction. Excessive SPCA activity was observed in some clinical states. It is proposed that the pathogenesis of venous thrombosis in these conditions may be referable to a transient increase in SPCA activity together with local venous stasis.