The plasma kallikrein–kinin system: its evolution from contact activation

The plasma kallikrein–kinin system consists of the proteins factor XII (FXII), prekallikrein (PK), and high molecular weight kininogen. It was first recognized as a surface‐activated coagulation system that is activated when blood or plasma interacts with artificial surfaces. Although surface‐activa...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of thrombosis and haemostasis 2007-12, Vol.5 (12), p.2323-2329
Main Authors: SCHMAIER, A. H., MCCRAE, K. R.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Blood Coagulation
Blood Pressure
Bradykinin - blood
Cell Proliferation
Endothelial Cells - metabolism
Factor XII - metabolism
Factor XIIa - metabolism
Humans
Kininogen, High-Molecular-Weight - blood
Neovascularization, Physiologic
Plasma Kallikrein - metabolism
Prekallikrein - metabolism
Regional Blood Flow
Risk Assessment
Signal Transduction
Thrombosis - blood
Thrombosis - etiology
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Summary:The plasma kallikrein–kinin system consists of the proteins factor XII (FXII), prekallikrein (PK), and high molecular weight kininogen. It was first recognized as a surface‐activated coagulation system that is activated when blood or plasma interacts with artificial surfaces. Although surface‐activated contact activation occurs in vivo in the case of tissue destruction or a developing thrombus, the physiologic basis for the activation and function of this system has not been delineated. New investigations indicate that there is a proteolytic pathway on cells for PK activation independent of FXII. This pathway for PK with subsequent FXII activation indicates physiologic activities. These activities include blood pressure regulation and modulation of thrombosis risk independently of hemostasis. Furthermore, they include regulation of endothelial cell proliferation, angiogenesis and apoptosis through a cellular‐based, outside‐in signaling system. The present characterizations of this system, which incorrectly had been thought to initiate coagulation, represent an evolution of understanding in this field.
ISSN:1538-7933
1538-7836
1538-7836
DOI:10.1111/j.1538-7836.2007.02770.x