Ethionine-Induced Depression of Plasma Antihemophilic Globulin in the Rat

Abstract

Summary and Conclusions

Parenteral administration of ethionine markedly depressed the AHF content of the blood in rats. This effect probably represents interference with synthesis of the protein rather than increased destruction. Although other coagulation factors were affected, the ethionine action did not involve all serum proteins, as shown by paper electrophoresis. Extensive tissue damage in ethionine-treated animals was confined to the pancreas, liver and bone marrow. Neither total pancreatectomy in dogs, nor carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage in rats had any effect on plasma AHF levels. Studies are in progress to determine a possible role of the reticulo-endothelial system.