Objective      To study the changes of coagulation and fibrinolysis in rabbit model of non-overt disseminated intravascular coagulation induced by low-dose endotoxin and therapeutic effects of anticoagulation by heparin.       Methods      Twelve male rabbits were randomly divided into 2 groups

one receiving endotoxin intravenously (10 μg/kg

n=6)

one receiving endotoxin intravenously and 100 U/kg Heparin simultaneously (n=6). The blood sample obtained before experiment was used as control. Coagulation parameters including prothrombin time (PT)

activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)

thrombin time (TT)

fibrinogen concentration

D-dimers

thrombelastography (TEG) were measured during 6 h after endotoxin induction. Tissue specimens of lungs and kidneys were examined.       Results      Parameters of coagulation deteriorated significantly in the endotoxin-induced rabbits

but was not altered in heparin-treated rabbits. TEG monitoring in the endotoxin-induced rabbits reflected consumption of clot factors and platelet dysfunction

and hypocoagulation status in heparin-treated rabbits. In endotoxin-induced group

fibrin deposition was found in lungs and kidneys.       Conclusion      Non-overt disseminated intravascular coagulation induced by low-dose endotoxin in rabbits is improved by heparin.