Factor XIII (fibrin stabilizing factor) in nephrectomized and exchange-transfused rats.

Abstract Unilaterally nephrectomized rats had a significant reduction of factor XIII in their plasma within 1 to 2 days. A more modest reduction followed a sham operation. Bilaterally nephrectomized rats suffered a much more rapid and pronounced drop of factor XIII. When the various clotting factors and platelets were reduced to very low levels by exchange transfusions with a plasma-free perfusate, factor XIII rose toward normal much more slowly than all other clotting factors. Factor VII rebounded most rapidly. All factors but XII, XIII and platelets were normal within 2 days.