Parallel studies of complement and blood coagulation. VIII. The effect of choline and methionine on the changes induced in guinea pigs by the injection of carbon tetrachloride.

Abstract

A marked prolongation of the two-stage clotting time of the plasma was produced in guinea pigs by the repeated injection of small weekly doses of carbon tetrachloride. Ac-globulin (labile factor), as well as fibrinogen and prothrombin, was reduced. A significant fall in whole complement titer also occurred; of the four major complement components, C′ 2 and C′ 3 were the most affected. Subsequent and concurrent daily feedings of choline chloride or methionine reduced the clotting time of the plasma of certain of the carbon tetrachloride treated animals but not to normal levels; they had no significant influence on complement titer. Previous and concurrent daily feedings of choline chloride ameliorated the fatty liver condition and gave some protection against the decrease in the coagulability of the blood induced by the drug; the decline in complement titer was not prevented. Ethionine augmented the changes induced by carbon tetrachloride.