Effects of slow intravenous administration of endotoxin on blood cells and coagulation in dogs.

Endotoxin shock was induced in dogs by slow administration of a lethal dose of Escherichia coli endotoxin. During the 3-hour infusion period a state of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) was noted. The drop in platelets and leukocytes was the most rapid and pronounced effect of the infusion, while consumption of coagulation factors occurred more slowly. Activation of the extrinsic and intrinsic pathways of coagulation appeared to be closely parallel. Concomitantly increasing amounts of fibrin(ogen) degradation products were detected, while soluble fibrin monomers were observed only inconstantly. Intravascular hemolysis was slight and occurred in the late stages of shock, and could not have influenced the development of DIC.