Induction of hypercoagulability condition by chronic localized cold stressin rabbits

To evaluate the effect of cold-induced stress on renal and hepatic blood fl ow and coagulation parameters, rabbits' soles were exposed to ice pad (0 de grees C). Renal and hepatic blood flow was measured after 1 h and 15 days o f cold stress. Coagulation parameters (0, 8th and 15th days of stress) and histological studies were performed. Renal and hepatic blood flow was signi ficantly reduced after cold-stress. Decreased platelet count, antithrombin III (AT III) activity, increased fibrinogen (Fbg) level, shortened activate d partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and prothrombin time (PT) was found af ter 8 and 15 days of cold-stress. Histology showed enlarged glomeruli with fibrin deposition in kidney, ischemic changes and fibrin deposition in live r and hemorrhagic necrosis in adrenal cortex. We conclude that undesirable localized cold induced sympathetic stimulation in daily life may be a predi sposing factor for coagulopathy.