Coagulation studies and correlative histology during experimental hemoglobinemia in rabbits

Evidence of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) was sought in New Zealand white rabbits infused with autologous, hemolyzed whole blood. Hemoglobinemia was induced in 17 rabbits by rapid intravenous injection of frozenthawed whole blood. Three dose regimens yielded mean peak plasma hemoglobin concentrations of 325, 615 and 860 mg/100 ml respectively (range 260 to 1050 mg/100 ml). Eleven control animals were infused with autologous, nonhemolyzed whole blood in similar doses. Rabbits were killed at either 15, 60, 120 or 180 minutes following infusion and multiple organ biopsies obtained immediately post-mortem. Coagulation studies demonstrated no significant alterations in prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time or fibrinogen. Fibrin degradation products were not found. Histologic examination of lung, heart, liver, spleen and kidney revealed no fibrin deposition, thrombus formation or other abnormalities. We conclude from our study that induction of brief, experimental hemoglobinemia in New Zealand white rabbits, utilizing moderately large doses of autologous, hemolyzed whole blood, does not result in the development of DIC.