Objective: To reproduce a rat model of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) accompanied by multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) induced by endotoxin.
Methods: Twenty-four healthy Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: control group, low dosage lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group, middle dosage LPS group, and high dosage LPS group (each n=6). Rats of each group were given different dosages of normal saline (1.4 ml/kg, 2.8 ml/kg), low dosages LPS [1.4 mg/kg (56 microg/kg), 2.8 ml/kg (112 microg/kg)], middle dosages LPS [1.4 mg/kg(98 microg/kg), 2.8 ml/kg (196 microg/kg)] and high dosages LPS [1.4 ml/kg (196 microg/kg), 2.8 ml/kg (392 microg/kg)] respectively twice 12 hours apart through femoral vein intubation injection. Blood platelet (PLT) count, coagulation function, D-dimer, fibrinogen (Fbg), antithrombin III (AT-III) blood glucose (Glu), biochemistry indexes including aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were determined before and after LPS challenge, and histopathologic changes of lung, liver and kidney were observed 4 hours after the second injection.
Results: The rats in high dosage LPS group died 4 hours later, and the rats in low and middle dosage LPS groups survived after double LPS challenge. The results of blood PLT, D-dimer, Fbg, Glu, AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, coagulation function of activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time and level of anti-thrombin III in middle dosage LPS group were significantly different compared with those of control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Obvious changes in histopathology were found in major organs such as lung, kidney and liver.
Conclusion: Double intravenous LPS challenge (98 microg/kg and 196 microg/kg) in rats can reproduce a rat model with DIC accompanied by multiple organ injuries.