We previously proposed that glomerular fibrin deposition and organ failure were rarely found in the tissue factor (TF)-induced disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) model. In this paper, we have elucidated the role of fibrinolysis in the TF-induced DIC model in rats by investigating the effect of tranexamic acid (TA) on the organ failure and hemorrhagic manifestations. The Wistar strain rats were intravenously infused with 3.75 units/kg of TF via the tail vein over a period of 4 hours. TF and 50 mg/kg of tranexamic acid(TA) or 200 units/kg of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) were given to the Wistar strain rats via the tail vein over a period of 4 hours for TF and 4 1/2 hours for TA or LMWH. Renal failure and glomerular fibrin deposition could hardly be found in the TF-induced DIC group, but became significantly manifest when TA had been administered. Hematuria as a hemorrhagic symptom appeared frequently 4-8 hours after the infusion of TF, which was, however, significantly diminished by the administration of TA or LMWH in the TF-induced DIC model. These results suggest that organ failure does not develop in the TF-induced DIC model because of an enhanced fibrinolysis, and that hematuria appears under the condition of both consumption coagulopathy and enhanced fibrinolysis in DIC.

View full abstract