The “Hageman” connection: Interrelationships of blood coagulation, fibrino(geno)lysis, kinin generation, and complement activation

Abstract

The activation pathways for the generation of enzymes involved in blood clotting, clot lysis, complement activation, and kinin generation are briefly reviewed. The interrelationship of the four systems is illustrated by the multiple functions of four key enzymes: Factor XII_a, kallikrein, plasmin, and C1 esterase. The pivotal role of Factor XII_a in establishing this connection is elucidated.