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Activation of a Permeability Factor in Plasma by Contact with Glass

Abstract

IT has been shown previously that contact of blood plasma with glass and with certain other surfaces leads to the formation of an unstable substance which accelerates coagulation1. This reaction was found to be similar to the production of a uterus-stimulating and pain-producing substance by glass contact2. Subsequent work showed that both these changes are induced by a common initial reaction in which an inactive precursor is converted into an active agent referred to as the ‘contact factor’3. The purpose of the present communication is to demonstrate that yet another biological activity is induced in cell-free plasma or serum by contact with glass. The investigation was suggested by the work of Miles and Wilhelm, who found that a substance which increases capillary permeability (permeability factor) is formed when plasma or serum is diluted with physiological saline4.

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References

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MARGOLIS, J. Activation of a Permeability Factor in Plasma by Contact with Glass. Nature 181, 635–636 (1958). https://doi.org/10.1038/181635a0

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