Abstract
An experimental model of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) could be induced by a sustained infusion of 100 mg/kg of endotoxin for 4 h. Using this experimental model of DIC, the preventive effect of methylprednisolone against DIC was examined. Rats were injected with methylprednisolone at 0.1, 1.0, 10.0 or 30.0 mg/kg i.p., and thereafter infused continously with 100 mg/kg/4 h of endotoxin. When compared with rats given no methylprednisolone, the significant prevention was noted in parameters, such as fibrinogen and fibrin degradation products, fibrinogen level, prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, platelet count, and the formation of fibrin thrombi in the glomeruli, in rats pretreated with 1.0, 10.0 or 30.0 mg/kg of methylprednisolone.