The role of Kupffer's cells in disseminated intravascular coagulation. A morphologic study in thrombin-infused rabbits.
We studied ultrastructural changes of Kupffer's cells in rabbits during experimental disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) induced by thrombin infusion. We observed three steps of fibrin clearance by Kupffer's cells: adsorption on the cell coat, invagination of the plasma membrane, and formation of bristle-coated vesicles adjoining the invaginated fibrin. There was no direct evidence of phagocytosis of fibrin by Kupffer's cells. Pinocytosis revealed by bristle-coated vesicles seemed to be one of the microthrombiclearing mechanisms of Kupffer's cells. Dissemination of microthrombi to systemic organs seemed to depend on the speed of fibrin formation and the clearing ability of Kupffer's cells. This hypothesis was supported by the finding that pretreatment with latex particles increased the severity of DIC.
D000818:Animals; D004211:Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005337:Fibrin / Q000096:biosynthesis; D005340:Fibrinogen / Q000276:immunology; D007106:Immune Sera / Q000494:pharmacology; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D007728:Kupffer Cells / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008099:Liver / Q000098:blood supply; D008297:Male; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000473:pathology; D011169:Portal Vein / Q000473:pathology; D011817:Rabbits; D013917:Thrombin / Q000008:administration & dosage
D007106:Immune Sera; D005337:Fibrin; D005340:Fibrinogen; D013917:Thrombin