Blood, 1960, Vol. 15, No. 5, pp. 675-680.
© 1960 American Society of Hematology, Inc.
Evidence for a Vessel Wall Defect in
Immuno-thrombocytopenic Hamsters
RAJENDRA G. DESAI 1 and
GEORGE P. FULTON 1
1 Biological Research Laboratory, Boston University Graduate School, and the
Blood Research Laboratory, New England Center Hospital, Boston, Mass.
Experimental purpura was produced in the hamster by administration of
anti-platelet serum obtained from rabbits previously injected with hamster
platelets. Spontaneous petechiae and generalized bleeding were observed. The
derangement in the hemostatic mechanism has been analyzed by study of the
changes in blood, bone marrow and vessel walls. The platelet count in
peripheral blood fell from 9.02 ± 0.85 (x 105) to 0.66 ± 0.32 (x 105) at
24 hours after 2.0 ml. intravenous injection of antiplatelet serum. The red
cell and hemoglobin values dropped to 50 per cent before death related to
generalized bleeding occurred. Significant changes were seen in the megakaryocytes of the bone marrow. The bleeding time and clot retraction were extended. Evidence for a defect in the vessel wall has been shown by the microelectrode, moccasin snake venom and negative pressure tests. The cause of
bleeding has been postulated as a double defect resulting from a decrease
of platelets in the circulation and an alteration in the integrity of the vessel
wall or perivascular supporting sheath.
