The kallikrein-kinin system in the acutely-ill: (A) changes in plasma kininogen in acutely-ill patients. (B) the efficacy of pulmonary clearance of bradykinin.

These studies have indicated some quantitative aspects of the kallikrein kinin system in sepsis. While other investigators have noted the fall in plasma kininogen in patients with sepsis, e.g.

A rationale for the therapeutic action of aprotinin.

Aprotinin, a protease inhibitor, has been used in a wide variety of pathophysiological states thought to be associated with an increase in protease activity. Opinion differ with respect to the success of the therapy. This paper proposes a rationale for the therapeutic action of aprotinin based on biochemical and physiological evidence.