Hageman factor (FXII, HF) is a monomeric plasma zymogen that is capable of autoactivation to the serine protease FXIIa in the presence of negatively charged surfaces such as glass, kaolin, ellagic acid and dextran sulfate. FXIIa activates prekallikrein to kallikrein which in turn digests high molecular weight kininogen (HK) to produce the vasoactive peptide bradykinin (BK). Known natural activators of FXII and the contact system include heparin, sulfatides, phospholipids, endotoxin, and urate crystals. We now present evidence that FXII can undergo activation in the presence of phosphate ions (P(i)) and certain divalent metal ions. FXII (1 microgram/ml) and prekallikrein (1 microgram/ml), in HEPES buffered saline, pH 7.4, were incubated with 0-100 mM sodium phosphate, 0-200 microM zinc chloride, and 0.6 mM Chromozym-PK; absorbance at 405 nm was monitored. Graphic analysis of the data indicated reciprocal activation of the two enzymes within 60 min which was dependent upon Zn(II) and P(i). While Ca(II) did not replace Zn(II) as an activator it significantly enhanced Zn(II)- and P(i)-dependent activation of FXII. Maximum activation occurred at 1-10 mM P(i) and approximately 25 microM Zn(II). Co(II), Cu(II) and Ca(II) were negative while Fe(II) was positive in the presence of 1 mM P(i). Cl-, SO4= and CO3=/HCO3- ions were negative when tested in the presence of 50 microM Zn(II). P(i) and Zn(II) ions promoted activation of FXII alone (but not prekallikrein) and the kinetics of this reaction suggested autoactivation. These data therefore suggest that physiological concentrations of P(i) and Zn(II) may be sufficient for a low-level turnover of the contact system in plasma which in turn may be responsible for the background levels of cleaved HK and BK found in normal plasma.