Increase in Coagulation Factor VIII Activity in Man following Acute Hypoglycaemia: Mediation via an Adrenergic Mechanism

Coagulation factor VIII activity has been assayed in nine normal volunteers before and after acute hypoglycaemia. In all subjects there was a rise in activity with a mean increment of 96%. Control studies using saline failed to demonstrate any change. In four subjects with pre-ganglionic sympathetctomy no increase in activity was observed. In the normal subjects the increase was blocked by propranolol but not by metoprolol, indicating mediation via beta2 receptors.