Abnormal Platelet Response to Thromboplastin Infusion in Rabbits Deficient in the Sixth Component of Complement 1

Abstract

Summary

The slow infusion into normal rabbits of a low dose of thromboplastin (tissue factor), generally insufficient to cause thrombosis or consumption of coagulation factors, produced thrombocytopenia and a reduction in total serum complement activity. In contrast, the administration of thromboplastin to rabbits genetically deficient in C6 resulted in small increments in platelet number. Reconstitution of the complement system of C6 deficient rabbits with purified C6 restored the capacity to develop thrombocytopenia following thromboplastin administration. These studies demonstrate that thromboplastin can act on platelets through the participation of the complement system and that C6 is essential for this reaction.