Organ Distribution of Fibrin in Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation

Summary.The quantitative distribution of 131I‐fibrin in the organs and tissues of rabbits with inhibition of fibrinolysis was compared following the injection of the purified coagulant enzyme of Agkistrodon rhodostoma venom (Arvin) or the infusion of thrombin.There was virtually complete conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin by both Arvin and thrombin, although the rate of conversion was three times as fast with Arvin.67–79 per cent of the radioactive fibrin was present in the kidneys, lungs, liver and bone marrow. After Arvin most fibrin (33 per cent) was present in the lungs, but after thrombin most fibrin (24 per cent) was in the kidneys.It is suggested that the distribution of fibrin between the organs may be dependent on the speed of fibrin formation and hence the size of microdot formed. The large accumulation of fibrin in the kidneys after thrombin may reflect the well‐recognized clinical association between disseminated intravascular coagulation and impaired renal function.

Organ Distribution of Fibrin in Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation Journal Articles