Inhibition of the Local Shwartzman Reaction by Dicumarol

Abstract

Dicumarol was given to rabbits in amounts sufficient to lower the prothrombin time level below 1%; this treatment inhibits the local Shwartzman reaction. Temporary thrombocytopenia occurs in Dicumarol-inhibited Shwartzman-negative rabbits, in Shwartzman-positive animals, and also after a single intravenous injection of Serratia marcescens toxin, without previous dermal preparation (sensitization). There was no direct relation between the fall of platelets in the peripheral blood and the appearance or nonappearance of a positive Shwartzman reaction.