alpha-chymotrypsin and Angioedema

The hypothesis that deficiencies of plasma protease inhibitors might play a role in the pathogenesis of chronic urticaria was evaluated. Plasma levels were measured in patients with urticaria and a matched control group for alpha1-antitrypsin, alpha2-macroglobulin, total trypsin-inhibiting capacity, kallikrein-inhibiting capacity, and the complement factors C1 esterase inhibitor, C3, and C4. A total of 92 patients with chronic urticaria or more than three months' duration was studied. Patients with acquired cold urticaria had significantly decreased levels of alpha1-antitrypsin and total antitrypsin activity. In patients with acquired angioneurotic edema, alpha1-antitrypsin levels and antichymotrypsin activities were lowered, with less significant decreases in anti-trypsin and antikallikrein activities. Levels of C1 esterase inhibitor , C3, and C4 were normal in all groups. There was no correlation between the increased sensitivity to intracutaneously administered kallikrein injection and deficiencies of of protease inhibitors.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; alpha 1-Antitrypsin; alpha-Macroglobulins; Angioedema; Child; Chronic Disease; Chymotrypsin; Complement C1 Inactivator Proteins; Complement C3; Complement C4; Esterases; Female; Humans; Kallikreins; Male; Middle Aged; Protease Inhibitors; Skin Tests; Urticaria

Topics: Adult; Allergens; Angioedema; Antigen-Antibody Reactions; Asthma; Autacoids; Chromatography, Gel; Chymotrypsin; Dermatitis, Atopic; Female; Histamine; Humans; Hypersensitivity; Immunization, Passive; Immunoglobulin E; Kinins; Male; Perfusion; Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal; Skin Tests; Sodium Chloride; Trypsin

Topics: Angioedema; Chymotrypsin; Diuretics; Drug Therapy; Eczema; Humans; Leg; Lymphedema; Phlebitis; Skin Diseases; Varicose Veins; Wounds and Injuries