Role of platelets in the pathogenesis of canine endotoxin shock

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Abstract
Endotoxin-platelet interactions are thought to be major importance in the response of dogs and other species to bacterial endotoxin. The mechanisms postulated are the release of vasoactive substances, the formation of occlusive platelet aggregates and induction of intravascular coagulation. The role of platelets in canine endotoxin shock was examined in animals with thrombocytopenia induced by estrogen pretreatment (< 10,000 platelets/mm3) and in controls. After i.v. administered [Escherichia coli] endotoxin, the hemodynamic responses, mortality, and gross necropsy findings were similar in both groups. Endotoxin-platelet interactions are apparently not determinative in the pathogenesis of canine endotoxin shock.