Abstract
Effect of cepharanthin on blood coagulation system and possible usefuness for the treating animals with experimental disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) were investigaed. Prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and kaolin-activated clotting time were markedly prolonged by the presence of cepharanthin, whereas recalcification clotting time remained unaffected. The activity of each coagulation factor was not decreased after treating with this agent. Cepharanthin inhibited both platelet aggrgation and release of platelet factor 4 (PF 4). In treating the experimental DIC induced by endotoxin, cepharanthin alone prevented both the decrease of platelet count and antithrombin III (AT III) activity. Plasma heparin activity was maintained higher in the group which was received with both heparin and cepharanthin than that with heparin alone. These data suggested that cepharanthin might be useful for treating patients with DIC.
