Effects of prostacyclin substitution on systemic procoagulant turnover and cardiorespiratory variables in...

Endotoxin infusion (lipopolysaccharide from Escherichia coli 120 micrograms kg-1 i.v.) was titrated to produce hypercoagulability in rabbits and the effects of prostacyclin (PGI2) treatment (continuous infusion of 6 ng kg-1 min-1 i.v.) on coagulation variables, cardiorespiratory variables, and fibrin deposition in the microcirculation of vital organs were studied. PGI2 infusion did not influence the concentration of soluble fibrin, thrombelastographic variables, or systemic platelet aggregability. Fibrin deposition in the microcirculation of the liver and the lungs was reduced to 50% of that observed in untreated animals (p < 0.01). The antiplatelet properties of PGI2 were unable to reduce experimental endotoxin-induced systemic procoagulant turnover but improved organ perfusion during the initial phase of disseminated intravascular coagulation.