Summary
Experiments were performed to determine the relative roles of hypofibrinogenemia and
split products in fibrinogen replenishment. After fibrinogen depletion, recovery was
enhanced when split products were present. Additionally, the presence of split products
alone effected a significant increase in fibrinogen concentration without prior depletion;
hypofibrinogenemia alone was not as consistent in stimulating replenishment.
Perhaps hypofibrinogenemia creates a concentration gradient to favor release of previously
stored fibrinogen and reduce storage of newly synthesized fibrinogen. Split products,
on the other hand, may increase circulating fibrinogen by competition for available
storage sites, facilitation of release from synthesis, or reutilization in synthesis
of new fibrinogen.
