Willebrand factor in hemostasis in the in vitro bleeding time.

Heparinized porcine blood and plasma, at constant hydrostatic pressure, was allowed to flow through a 5-mm incision in a small piece of porcine skin. Changes in the exuded blood volume were measured, and the incision site was examined microscopically. When normal blood flowed through either normal or von Willebrand skin, the exuded blood volume decreased gradually and eventually stopped. Microscopic examination revealed a platelet plug in the incision site. This plug was positive for Willebrand factor when examined by immunofluorescence. In contrast, the blood from von Willebrand pigs continued to flow constantly, and a platelet plug was not seen. The delayed in vitro hemostasis in von Willebrand blood was corrected to the normal range by the addition of either normal plasma or partially purified Willebrand factor. Normal blood, in which the Willebrand factor was immunologically inhibited, showed delayed hemostasis. For this in vitro system, it appeared that plasmatic Willebrand factor played an essential role in hemostasis.