Thromb Haemostasis
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Thrombin activity was assayed on the aortic surface of rabbits after soft tissue trauma or endothelial injury caused by a balloon catheter. The animals were sacrificed by exsanguination 20 minutes or 3 hours after either type of trauma. Thrombin amidolytic activity on the luminal surface of the aorta was measured by exposing it to a synthetic chromogenic substrate. ⋯ Thrombin activity appearing on the endothelium after soft tissue trauma may explain posttraumatic thrombotic events. The thrombin activity could, however, also be directed towards activation of protein C in which case an anticoagulant effect is obtained. Thrombin appearing after endothelial injury may enhance reactivity on the damaged vessel wall.