Abstract: The invention provides assay methods of detecting plasma protease CI inhibitor (C1-INH) that binds plasma kallikrein, Factor XII, or both, and uses thereof for identifying subjects at risk for or suffering from a pKal-me-diated or bradykinin-mediated disorder. Provided methods permit analysis of patients with plasma kallikrein-mediated angioedema (KMA), or other diseases mediated by pKal useful in the evaluation and treatment.

Abstract: The invention provides assay methods of detecting last protease CI inhibitor (C1-INH) that binds plasma kallikreir, Factor XII, or both, and uses thereof for identifying subjects at risk for or suffering from a pKal-me-diated or bradykinin-mediated disorder. Provided methods permit analysis of patients with plasma kallikrein-mediated angioedema (KMA), or other diseases mediated by pKal useful in the evaluation and treatment.

Abstract: The invention provides assay methods of detecting plasma protease CI inhibitor (Cl-INH) that binds plasma kallikrein, Factor XII, or both, and uses thereof for identifying subjects at risk for or suffering from a pKal-mediated or bradykinin-mediated disorder. Provided methods permit analysis of patients with plasma kallikrein-mediated angioedema (KMA), or other diseases mediated by pKal useful in the evaluation and treatment.

Abstract: The invention provides assay methods of detecting plasma protease CI inhibitor (C1-INH) that binds plasma kallikrein, Factor XII, or both, and uses thereof for identifying subjects at risk for or suffering from a pKal-mediated or bradykinin-mediated disorder. Provided methods permit analysis of patients with plasma kallikrein-mediated angioedema (KMA), or other diseases mediated by pKal useful in the evaluation and treatment.

Abstract: A activator for prekallikrein includes isolated, purified, or substantially purified heat shock protein 90, a phosphate ion, and mixtures thereof. The prekallikrein activator is part of an in vitro system for activating prekallikrein in the absence of FXIIa. The system includes the activator, high-molecular weight kininogen, and zinc ions. A method for activating prekallikrein to produce kallikrein in the absence of FXIIa includes mixing prekallikrein with the activator and a composition comprising high molecular weight kininogen and zinc ions. A method for evaluating the activity of a test drug for the production of kallikrein comprises activating prekallikrein and determining the kallikrein produced. The activity (promoting or inhibiting ability) of the tested drug against the production of kallikrein in the absence of FXIIa can be easily measured. The test drug may be an analgesic, anti-allergy, anti-inflammatory drug.

Abstract: The present invention provides an activator for prekallikrein and a prekallikrein-activating method in the absence of FXIIa by using an activator which is selected from the group consisting of heat shock protein 90, a phosphate ion and mixtures thereof. The prekallikrein activator of the present invention comprises part of an in vitro system for activating prekallikrein, the system comprising said activator as well as a high-molecular weight kininogen HK and zinc ion. The present invention also comprises a method for activating prekallikrein in the presence of said prekallikrein activator to produce kallikrein in the absence of FXIIa, the method being useful in a method for evaluating the activity of a test drug towards the production of kallikrein in the absence of FXIIa. The method of the present invention for activating prekallikrein comprises activating prekallikrein by mixing prekallikrein with the prekallikrein activator, a composition comprising high molecular weight kininogen, and zinc ions.