Prekallikrein Activator (Hageman Factor Fragment) In Human Plasma Fractions

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Abstract
Hypotensive reactions to blood products can be attributed to the presence of a prekallikrein activator in the products. The distribution of this substance among [human] plasma fractions produced by the cold ethanol method was studied. While the levels observed varied among different production lots, prekallikrein activator was present in 4 lots of fibrinogen, 4 lots of immune serum globulin, 1 lot of immune serum globulin for i.v. use and 9 lots of antihemophilic factor. Nineteen lots of 25% albumin were free of detectable amounts of prekallikrein activator. In addition to 25% albumin and the fraction V rework fractions leading to it, only supernatant III from the fraction II + III reworks was free of the prekallikrein activator. All other fractions contained significant amounts of activity. Chloroform treatment, used to remove kallikrein inhibitors, destroyed the prekallikrein activator in fractions with low protein levels. The prekallikrein activator in antihemophilic factor preparations was formed during contact with glass, and its behavior suggested that these concentrates contained Hageman factor (factor XII).