Arginine esterase activity of the plasma in different types of bronchial asthma.

Spontaneous arginine esterase activity and esterolytic activity of plasma after a contact with kaolin, using a synthetic substrate BAEE in asthmatic patients were studied. Also activity of esterase inhibitors, the plasma kininogen level and fibrinolytic activity were determined. It was shown, that during an asthma attack a significant rise in the plasma esterolytic activity occurred. At the same time esterase activity displayed a fall after contact with kaolin as compared with controls. These changes were accompanied by a rise in the fibrinolytic activity of the plasma and a decrease in the kininogen level. The behavior of parameters studies was analyzed in relation to the immunological type of asthma and the clinical state of the patients.