Influence of Cold, Fasting and Adrenalectomy on the Blood-Fibrinogen Response to Trauma

Abstract
Periods of 24, 48 and 72 hrs. of fasting constantly, though not always significantly, depress the blood-fibrinogen concn. in intact rats. The blood-fibrinogen response to trauma is unaffected by fasting periods of 48 and 72 hrs. Simultaneous exposure to cold and fasting significantly reduces the fibrinogen rise induced by trauma. Total adrenalectomy greatly decreases but does not abolish the fibrinogen response to injury. However, the blood-fibrinogen increase following an operation is prolonged in totally adren-alectomized as compared to partially adrenalectomized rats. These observations suggest that the adrenals play an important role in fibrinogen metabolism.