[Changes in the kallikrein-kinin and complement system in angiography using non-ionic contrast media].

To examine alterations of the kallikrein-kinin system and of the complement due to the bolus injection of newer non-ionic contrast agents, venous blood samples were taken before and 3 min after angiography. There were no adverse contrast reactions clinically evident. Prekallikrein, kallikrein inhibition, beta-factor XIIa inhibition, C1-esterase inhibitor, C1q, C3, ATIII, HMW-kininogen, fibrinogen and factor XII were determined. Bolus injection of the contrast medium caused an activation of the kallikrein-kinin system (p less than 0.05) with reduction of prekallikrein, kallikrein-inhibition, beta-factor XIIa inhibition and C1-esterase inhibitor. The levels of C1q and C3 were also decreased (p less than 0.05) indicating an activation of the complement. Our results demonstrate, that angiography causes a significant activation of the kallikrein-kinin as well as of the complement system in spite of the use of newer non-ionic contrast agents.