Haemostasis and parturition revisited: Comparative profiles in mammals

The influence of parturition on plasma concentrations of fibrinogen, fibronectin and von Willebrand factor is compared in the canine, porcine, equine, bovine and human species. The significance of the alterations in these proteins at parturition is discussed in relation to their role in haemostasis, cellular adhesion reactions, and as acute-phase reactant proteins. The effect of hormones on the expression of these proteins in whole animal and cultured cell systems is briefly reviewed