Early and late platelet sequestration in different organs during endotoxic shock.

Using a sheep model, platelet sequestration in lungs, liver, kidney, spleen, and brain was studied after the injection of Indium-111-oxine-labeled platelets and E. coli lipopolysaccharide. Immediately following endotoxin-induced shock, platelet sequestration was observed in lungs, liver, and kidney with corresponding decrease in measured Indium-111-oxine platelets in spleen and circulating blood. There was also a decrease in platelet counts as measured in a phase contrast microscope. The early platelet sequestration in lung, liver, and kidney was followed by platelet disaggregation and another phase of platelet sequestration which continued until the death of the animal. No platelet sequestration was observed in the brain.