Plasmoptysis and gelation of erythrocytes in coagulation of blood of freshwater bony fishes.

By KEN WOLF S TUDIES ON BLOOD of freshwater bony fishes indicated that the coagulation reaction was similar to that of mammalian blood. A notable difference was reported for the rapidity with which fish blood coagulated. The process was reported to be swift; clotting times ranged from 10 seconds to about 1 mintite, with the mean being about 30 seconds.14 Convincing explanations for the rapid clotting were lacking. For example, the inorganic composition of trout blood and human 1)100(1 vere found to be very similar.5’6 Wnith one exception,’ fibrinogen levels for these fishes were comparable to or less than that of man.1’ M Such fibrinogen levels were inconsistent with the rapid cIotting. ’M Two of these reports also noted a deficient protKrombin activity. #{176} An unusual, ra1)id reaction of fish erythrocytes with water has been observed. It is probable that the reaction accounts for the speed of fish blood coagulation, and that it is highly significant in hemostasis in these fishes in their normal environment. The pt rpose, therefore, of this investigation was : ( 1 ) to elucidate the unusual response of fish blood cells to water, ( 2 ) to ascertain the validity of the speed of clotting of fish blood cells in water, and (3) to look for similar reactions in the blood of other aquatic vertebrates.