Activation of plasma coagulation in vivo by epinephrine and platelet release reaction. An experimental study in the dog

Abstract

The effects of epinephrine on platelets and plasma coagulation were studied in normal and splenectomized dogs with 51Cr labelled platelets. Ongoing plasma coagulation was demonstrated by a radioimmunoassay of fibrinopeptide A (FPA). Epinephrine caused intravascular platelet aggregation and increased levels of FPA in animals with an intact spleen, but not in splenectomized animals. Platelet aggregation was also induced in splenectomized animals by infusions of protamine. The protamine-induced intravascular platelet aggregation was accompanied by increased levels of FPA. It is concluded that intravascular platelet aggregation and release can induce a low grade intravascular coagulation. Epinephrine also causes a similar condition, but its effect is dependent on an intact spleen.