Prevention by aspirin of the classic generalized Shwartzman reaction.

The classic generalized Shwartzman reaction induced in the rabbit was prevented with large doses of aspirin (250 mg/kg) when administered at the time of the first and preparing injection of endotoxin. Such a result was not observed when the drug was given at the time of the second and provoking injection of endotoxin. Our investigations on platelet and coagulation indicate that aspirin prevents disseminated intravascular coagulation through an interference with the blood coagulation and Hageman factor activation rather than by the inhibition of platelet aggregation and availability of platelet procoagulant activity.