Angioedema is defined as local, noninflammatory, self-limiting edema that is circumscribed owing to increased leakage of plasma from the capillaries located in the deep layers of the skin and the mucosae. Two mediators, histamine and bradykinin, account for most cases of angioedema. Angioedema can occur with wheals as a manifestation of urticaria, and this form is frequently allergic. In the pr...

Background: Sickle cell disease (HbSS) is a major health problem in Nigeria and ma-laria has been implicated as a leading cause of morbidity/mortality in sickle cell disease patients. Few reasons were put forward to explain the observed morbidity/mortality of HbSS subjects due to Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) malaria. Objectives: To determine the level of immunoglobulin classes (IgM, Ig...

C1 inhibitor (C1-INH) and alpha 2-macroglobulin (alpha 2M) account for over 90% of the inactivation of purified plasma kallikrein by normal human plasma. The rate of kallikrein inactivation is also dependent on the presence of high molecular weight kininogen (HMWK), which forms a reversible complex with kallikrein protecting the active site of the enzyme against inhibitors. By selectively inact...

A postulated role of the contact system in anaphylactic reactions to insect stings was investigated. During prospective, in-hospital sting challenge, we collected serial blood samples from five normal volunteers and 16 patients with a history of insect-sting anaphylaxis. Activation of the contact system was assessed by measuring plasma levels of factor XIIa-C1-inhibitor and kallikrein-C1-inhibi...