Summary
In an autoradiographic study the number of DNA-synthesizing aortic endothelial cells was compared 48 hours after an intravenous injection of the acidic polymer Liquoid or saline in rats. Doses of 1.5-2 mg per 100 g body weight produced a 14-fold increase in DNA-synthesizing endothelial cells and the generalized Shwartzman reaction. These results show that Liquoid causes severe endothelial injury.