The "Hageman" connection: interrelationships of blood coagulation, fibrino(geno)lysis, kinin generation, and complement activation.

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 XIIa, kallikrein, plasmin, and C1 esterase. The pivotal role of Factor XIIa in establishing this connection is elucidated.