Effects of alpha and beta receptor stimulating and blocking agents on experimental disseminated intravascular coagulation.

In this experimental study on rabbits, we compare the haemostatic and histological changes observed in animals with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) induced by thrombin perfusion (100 u/kg/hr during 3 hours) with or without preventive administration of alpha and beta receptor stimulating or blocking agents. Both alpha and beta receptor stimulating agents enhance the disorders induced by thrombin alone, while alpha or beta blocking agents reduce them. This favourable action is still more pronounced with the combination of these two last types of drugs. The modifications observed appear to be related to changes in platelet function.