A moderate aseptic local inflammation does not induce a significant systemic inflammatory response.

The aim of this prospective study was to characterize the response of the coagulation system to a defined sterile localized inflammatory process. Tissue cages were implanted subcutaneously in five healthy Beagles. After 9-10 weeks, local inflammation was induced by an injection of 0.5 ml 1% carrageenan. Serial samples of tissue cage fluid (TCF) and blood were collected at 10 time points (0-168 h). Nucleated cells (NC) of TCF were counted automatically to characterize local inflammation. C-reactive protein (CRP), leukocytes and coagulation variables (PT, aPTT, fibrinogen, factor VIII, antithrombin, protein C, protein S, and d-dimers) were determined in blood samples. Carrageenan induced a significant 32-fold increase of NCs in TCF (P<0.0001). A slight increase in leukocytes (P<0.0001) was observed. There was a significant 1.3- to 1.5-fold increase in protein C (P=0.0001) and protein S (P=0.0028). CRP, secondary hemostasis and fibrinolysis did not change. The mild increase from baseline in PC/PS, may reflect a physiological counter reaction.