ABSTRACT
The plasma level of factor XII (FXII) was measured in samples from healthy young men. The activated contact factor was assayed as prekallikrein activator (PKA), as S-2222 amidase, and in radial immunodiffusion tests. By removing the bulk of IgG on protein G columns before the activation procedure, the functional activities increased to about 135%. In such test preparations, PAGE immunoblot experiments with polyclonal antibodies against FXII showed, in addition to FXIIa (80 kD), a double band with a molecular weight of about 46 kD. This protein could also be detected with a light-chain-specific monoclonal antibody to FXII, but not with such an antibody directed against its heavy chain. The 46-kD band was also observed in plasma deficient in FXII. The amidase assays indicated that the minor part of FXIIa was present in some kind of association with another protease. To obtain a correct estimation of total FXIIa in the amidase assays a sufficiently high level of FXI was required compared to that of FXII. The PKA assays were generally carried out with a prekallikrein (PK) substrate containing IgG. By replacing this substrate by PK free from IgG additional PKA activity was observed, the activity appearing also in plasma deficient in FXII.
Subject(s)
Factor XII/chemistry , Factor XIIa/chemistry , Immunoglobulin G/blood , Immunoglobulin G/physiology , Adult , Amidohydrolases/blood , Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel , Factor XII/metabolism , Factor XII Deficiency/blood , Factor XIIa/metabolism , Humans , Immunodiffusion , Male , Oligopeptides , Protein Binding/immunology , Protein Binding/physiology , Substrate SpecificityABSTRACT
The psychological and psychosocial problems associated with losing a child by cot death may be prevented by better organized follow-up of the families. Using a questionnaire, we studied the type of help given to the families, both in and outside the hospital. The test group comprised 169 families living in the eastern part of Norway during the period 1984-92. The help provided has improved during the period studied. Larger regional hospitals provide better support and follow-up than local ones do. Outside hospital the help offered by public health nurses is evaluated as insufficient. They represent a valuable resource, which could be better exploited. Family members, friends and parent groups give the most valuable and long-lasting support.
