Abstract
In this study a state of temporary defibrinogenation was induced in rats by Defibrase treatment. It was found that the formation of pulmonary metastases after intravenous tumour cell injection was decreased in defibrinogenated rats. However, defibrinogenation did not influence the effect of trauma and infusion of dextran 1000 on metastasis formation. Both these procedures stimulated the formation of metastases in defibrinogenated rats. These results indicate, that fibrinogen and/or fibrin are of importance for the formation of metastases but that the stimulating effect of trauma and dextran 1000 on metastasis formation is independent of fibrinogen and/or fibrin.