Thrombin, kallikrein and complement C5b-9 adsorption on hydrophilic and hydrophobic titanium and glass after short time exposure to whole blood

Hydrophilic and hydrophobic titanium and glass were exposed to capillary whole blood between 5 s and 24 h. The time-sequence for adsorption of thrombin, kallikrein and complement C5b-9, and their relationship with adherent platelets and polymorphonuclear granulocyte (PMN) activation were investigated. Adsorbed thrombin and kallikrein were measured by cleavage of specific chromogenic substances, S-2238 and S-2303, respectively. Complement C5b-9 and expression of CD11b, CD66b, CD62P and Pan-platelets were measured by immunofluorescence. Thrombin and kallikrein were present on the surfaces during the whole investigated periods. Platelet adhesion and PMN cell adhesion and activation on all surfaces and activation of platelets on hydrophobic surfaces showed a similar pattern to thrombin adsorption. Kallikrein adsorption had a different pattern on each surface. C5b-9 was detected between 32 min and 24 h of blood exposure and a varying pattern of C5b-9 coverage was observed on each surface. In conclusion, our results indicate that the interaction between material and blood coagulation and kinin-activating proteins regulate the adhesion and activation of blood cells, whereas after longer time the coagulation and kallikrein-kinin system play minor roles and the complement system is decisive for mediating and elongating the inflammatory process.