Understanding the role of thrombin and plasmin in DIC describes many of the illness manifestations. Role of thrombin in DIC Thrombin is an enzyme that acts on multiple substrates. The protein induces platelet aggregation, induces platelet secretion, and contributes to platelet procoagulant activity. Thrombin induces granulocyte chemotaxis, induces endothelial cell adhesion, and increases endothelial cell permeability. Thrombin reduces reticuloendothelial cell clearance.
Plasmin activates platelets at low doses and inhibits platelets at high doses.
Plasmin forms fibrinogen or fibrin degradation products. DIC occurs in all races. No sexual preference exists. These patients also manifest with ecchymosis in traumatized areas. In patients with so-called chronic or subacute DIC whose manifestation is thrombosis from excess thrombin formation, the symptoms and signs of venous thrombosis may be present.