Experimental model of disseminated intravascular coagulation induced by sustained infusion of endotoxin

Experimental disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) was induced by sustained infusion of endotoxin into the femoral vein in rats. The severity of DIC was determined with reference to various parameters, such as fibrinogen and fibrin degradation products (FDP), prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (PTT), platelet count, and number of renal glomeruli having fibrin thrombi. Experimental DIC could be induced by a 4-h sustained infusion of endotoxin in a dose of 100 mg/kg. The DIC induced in rats showed a close resemblance to human DIC as judged from such changes as an elevation in FDP, prolongation of PT and PTT, depression in fibrinogen and platelet count, and increase in glomeruli having fibrin thrombi. This experimental model has an advantage in that severity of DIC can be determined by measuring various parameters. It will be of use in the studies aimed at the establishment of a therapy for DIC as well as in the studies on DIC in rats.