The effect of beta 2-glycoprotein I on the dextran sulfate and sulfatide activation of the contact system (Hageman factor system) in the blood coagulation.

1. beta 2-Glycoprotein I, inhibits the initiation of the contact system in plasma accomplished by dextran sulfate. 2. The dextran sulfate induced activation could be inhibited both when dextran sulfate was preincubated with beta 2-glycoprotein I and when the amount of beta 2-glycoprotein I in plasma was increased. 3. The concentration of beta 2-glycoprotein I at which an inhibitory effect could be registered was dependent upon the concentration of negatively charged groups on the surface. Calculation of the molar ratios between beta 2-glycoprotein I and sulfate residues in dextran sulfate showed that beta 2-glycoprotein I had to be present in excess of a 1:1 stoichiometric ratio of the sulfate group in order to inhibit the activation. 4. beta 2-Glycoprotein I does not inhibit the initiation of the contact system in plasma accomplished by sulfatide, unless the sulfatide has been preincubated with beta 2-glycoprotein I.