Activation of Hageman Factor by Saturated Fatty Acids

SUMMARY The effect of suspensions of saturated fatty acids or oleic acid on the coagulation of plasma and on the release of plasma kinin was determined by quantitative methods. The activity of the saturated series (C8‐C22) increases enormously with the length of the carbon chain. Oleic acid is practically inactive. Evidence is presented that the reaction is mediated by adsorption and activation of Hageman factor by the fatty acid micelles. The differences between the activity of the fatty acids are related to the physical conditions at the surface of the particles.