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Published on: October 2, 2014
Spinal cord thromboplastin-induced coagulopathy in a rabbit model
J V Pattisapu1, J D Miller, W N Bell
1Department of Neurosurgery, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson.
Neurosurgery
|October 1, 1990
Summary
Neurogenic coagulopathy can be induced in rabbits by injecting spinal cord tissue or thromboplastin. Key indicators like platelet count and fibrinogen levels showed rapid activation of thrombotic and fibrinolytic pathways.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Hematology
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Coagulopathy, a disorder of blood clotting, can arise from various causes, including neurological events.
- Understanding the mechanisms of neurogenic coagulopathy is crucial for clinical management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the induction of coagulopathy using autologous spinal cord and thromboplastin in a rabbit model.
- To evaluate the activation of thrombotic and fibrinolytic pathways in response to these injections.
Main Methods:
- Rabbits received intravenous injections of homogenized spinal cord tissue or extracted rabbit cord thromboplastin.
- Serial coagulation panels were performed to monitor hematological parameters.
- Control animals received normal saline injections.
Main Results:
- Intravenous injection of 50 mg or more of homogenized spinal cord tissue led to death in rabbits.
- Injections of rabbit cord thromboplastin induced coagulopathy in survivors and mortality in others.
- Activated thrombotic pathways (decreased platelets, fibrinogen) and fibrinolytic system (increased protamine sulfate, abnormal euglobulin clot lysis times) were observed.
- Platelet count, protamine sulfate concentration, and white cell count were the most sensitive indicators, showing rapid changes within 15 minutes.
Conclusions:
- Neurogenic coagulopathy can be reliably induced in rabbits via intravenous administration of spinal cord components.
- The study identified key hematological markers that rapidly indicate the activation of coagulation and fibrinolysis.
- These findings provide insights into the pathophysiology of neurogenic coagulopathy and potential diagnostic parameters.
