Thromb Haemostasis
-
Von Willebrand factor (VWF) is synthesized in endothelial cells, stored in the form of high molecular weight multimers and released after stimulation. After release, the multimers are cleaved by ADAMTS13 (von-Willebrand-factor-cleaving protease). We studied healthy volunteers in a double-blind, placebo controlled inflammation model. ⋯ VWF multimer analysis showed pronounced satellite bands in the 4-hour samples, indicating cleavage of VWF by ADAMTS13. No apparent changes of the analyzed parameters were observed in the placebo group. The reciprocal course of ADAMTS13 and VWF after short-term VWF release induced by systemic inflammation is similar to that observed after induction of VWF release by desmopressin.