Abstract
Our observations indicates that the plasma contact system is activated in ascites from patients with gastrointestinal cancer: Factor XII is activated, plasma kallikrein is present in complex with the protease inhibitor alpha 2-macroglobulin, and the plasma kallikrein substrate high molecular weight kininogen, is highly degraded. Contact activation seems to take place in spite of a high level of inhibition. Activation of the contact system generates mediators, which may play a role in the accumulation of ascites.
Publication types
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Comparative Study
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Adult
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Aged
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Ascites / enzymology*
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Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel
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Enzyme Activation
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Factor XI / isolation & purification
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Factor XI / metabolism*
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Factor XII / isolation & purification
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Factor XII / metabolism*
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Female
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Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / enzymology*
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Humans
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Immunoblotting
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Kallikreins / isolation & purification
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Kallikreins / metabolism*
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Male
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Middle Aged
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Prekallikrein / isolation & purification
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Prekallikrein / metabolism
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Reference Values
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alpha-Macroglobulins / metabolism
Substances
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alpha-Macroglobulins
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Factor XII
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Factor XI
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Prekallikrein
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Kallikreins