Hematological Studies during Endotoxin Infusion in Rabbits

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Abstract
Endotoxin was infused over 14 hrs into rabbits at a rate of 30-50 μg/kg/hr. During the infusion of endotoxin the following parameters were observed: a) The leukocytes declined in the early phase of the experiment but increased after 2 hrs despite continuation of the infusion. b) Hemolysis in a range of 130-180 mg% plasma hemoglobin was present in animals at the time glomerular fibrin deposition was observed. c) Platelets declined steadily until the end of the infusion. d) Factor V declined during the infusion and reached levels below 10% of baseline (normal) levels. e) The thrombelastogram revealed an increase in the r value and a decrease in mε. f) Fibrinogen g) plasminogen and h) streptokinase inhibitor decreased initially reaching a plateau after 6 hrs. i) Plasmin inhibitor and j) urokinase inhibitor did not change during the period of observation. k) Fibrin split products were demonstrated in 4 out of 7 serum samples taken 14 hrs following the initiation of the infusion. I) C’activity decreased during infusion of endotoxin. * NIH Research Trainee in Reproductive Physiology (present address: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Heidelberg University, 69 Heidelberg, Germany). ** Career Scientist of the Health Research Council of the City of New York (I-297).