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Activation of rabbit C3: studies of the generation of cleavage products in vitro and of their metabolism in vivo.

The cleavage of purified, functionally active rabbit C3 by cobra venom factor and trypsin was analysed by reducing and non-reducing sodium dodecyl sulphate electrophoresis and autoradiography. The specific aim of the study was to compare these reactions to those that occur with human C3. Analysis showed that the pattern of breakdown was very similar to that for the human protein: while the beta-chain remained intact, there was step-wise degradation of the alpha-chain to form C3a, C3b, iC3b and C3c, all of which could be identified by gel analysis. The metabolic behaviour of three of these cleavage products, C3a, C3b and iC3b, was then examined in vivo using dual isotope techniques. Rabbits were studied simultaneously with 131I-C3 and 125I-labelled C3 breakdown products. Analysis of plasma and urine radioactivity for the subsequent 72 h showed that all three breakdown proteins had rapid rates of catabolism in vivo compared to the native molecule. Specifically, 93 and 98% of C3b and iC3b, respectively, were eliminated from the plasma compartment within 10 h of injection. C3a was completely eliminated within 10 h. By comparison, native C3 showed a half-life of 29 +/- 3 h (mean +/- SD) and a fractional catabolic rate of 4.30 +/- 0.75%/h. The data support the use of this species in studies of complement behaviour in models of human immune disease and further clarify the basis for changes in plasma C3 concentration that accompany active immune complex- and antibody-mediated activity, in vivo.

Animals

Immunopathological correlation between mesangial C3d-deposition and C3d-fixing circulating immune complexes in lupus nephritis.

By a direct immunofluorescent technique, glomerular C3d deposition was examined in a total of 50 renal biopsy specimens from patients with lupus nephritis. C3d deposition was then compared with disease activity, glomerular IgG and C3c deposition, and the levels of circulating immune complexes (CIC) measured by a solid-phase anti-C3d assay. There was a good correlation between disease activity and the positivity of glomerular C3d deposits (P less than 0.001), as well as C3c deposits (P less than 0.001). Even in clinically inactive patients, a relatively high percentage (59%) of C3d deposits were positive compared with C3c deposits (17%). Mesangial C3d deposition correlated with clinical disease activity more significantly (P less than 0.005) than capillary wall C3d deposition (P less than 0.025). C3d deposits were detected in all of the 30 cases with positive C3c deposits, and moreover, in 15 of the 20 (75%) cases with negative C3c deposits. Glomerular IgG deposits were almost always associated with C3d deposits, both in mesangial areas and along capillary walls, with statistical significance (P less than 0.005, P less than 0.001, respectively). The serum levels of C3d-fixing immune complexes (IC) were significantly correlated with the positivity and intensity of mesangial C3d deposits. This study demonstrates glomerular deposition of C3d in patients with lupus nephritis and reveals a significant correlation between mesangial C3d deposition and disease activity.

Antigen-Antibody Complex

Partial characterization of physiologically generated C3 components expressing C3d but not C3c epitopes.

Techniques for the quantification of C3d are shown to estimate the sum of 4 different plasma protein components possessing C3d but not C3c epitopes. All 4 components were C3-derived polypeptides as shown by activating serum containing 125I-labelled C3, isolating the anti-C3d reactive material in 14% PEG supernatant, followed by analysis on SDS-PAGE and autoradiography. Identical results were obtained by radiolabelling 14% PEG plasma supernatants followed by analysis of the anti-C3d reactive material. The components are referred to as d1, d1', d2 and d3 based on their relative electrophoretic mobilities (alpha 1, alpha 1, alpha 2 and alpha 2 respectively) judged by crossed immunoelectrophoresis. Their apparent molecular weights by SDS-PAGE were 129K (d1), 110K (d1'), 46K (d3) and 45K (d2). The possibility that one or more of the C3d containing components represented a complex of a C3 fragment with another plasma protein was investigated. The role of these components in the scheme of the physiological breakdown of C3 and the importance of the individual C3d components as indicators of complement activation in clinical materials is discussed. It is proposed that the 45K d2 component represents a final physiological breakdown product of C3 in human serum.

Antigen-Antibody Reactions

A rapid and reproducible method for the analysis of immune complexes using affinity chromatography and Western blotting.

A new procedure which couples different analytical techniques in a format permitting the rapid analysis of immune complex components is described. Complexes obtained from sera by polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation were resuspended and then added, using a batch method, to antibody coupled to Sepharose beads. Antibody directed against either human C1q or human C3c were used in the present study. Bound immune complexes were washed and then eluted from the Sepharose by sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) treatment and simultaneously reduced with dithiothreitol. Individual components were separated by SDS gradient polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and then transferred to nitrocellulose by Western blotting. Individual strips of nitrocellulose were investigated using specific antisera and a radiolabelled probe. Immune complexes (IC) isolated from the sera of 7 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients were analysed using this method and the results obtained for both affinity adsorbents compared.

Antigen-Antibody Complex

Radioimmunoassay evaluation of anti-C3d reactivity in broad spectrum commercial antiglobulin reagents.

The study was undertaken to assess the potential of a labeled C3d radioimmunoassay method as a standardization criterion for antiglobulin reagents containing anti-C3d reactivity. Over an 18-month interval, four different lots of broad-spectrum antiglobulin reagents were purchased from each of seven United States manufacturers. Anti-C3d antibody concentration and Ko in each lot were assayed initially and at four-month intervals over 16 to 21 months storage at 4 degrees C. The results permitted 1) comparison of anti-C3d antibody concentrations among different manufacturers, 2) comparison among different lots from the same manufacturer, and 3) assessment of stability of anti-C3d during storage. In addition, serial dilutions of reagents in each manufacturer's diluent were compared for their anti-C3d agglutinating properties by the spin-antiglobulin method against red blood cells (RBC) coated by C3d in vitro and against in vivo C3d-coated RBC from 16 patients. Most reagents were shown also to contain anti-C3c, anti-C4c and anti-C4d reactivities when tested against suitably coated RBC. Anti-C3d antibody concentrations ranged from approximately 1 to 3.5 microgram/ml for 27 of the 28 reagents and were stable over 16 to 21 months of storage. Anti-C3d agglutination titer scores showed a general correlation with anti-C3d antibody concentrations when tested against in vitro C3d-coated RBC; correlations were less good against C3d-coated cells from patients. The radioimmunoassay provided reproducible objective measurements and appeared to have merit as a standardization criterion.

Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune

A study of C3b deposition on yeast surfaces by sera of known opsonic potential.

C3c fragments released by the actin of trypsin from C3b molecules bound to zymosan may be readily quantitated by conventional gel techniques to give a measurement of the efficiency of C3b opsonization. Using this approach, the rate of deposition of C3b molecules was found to be very rapid in sera known to opsonize yeast normally. In contrast, sera defective in yeast opsonization deposited C3b much more slowly. The C3b elution technique was found to correlate well with both a direct phagocytosis assay using baker's yeast (r = 0.87, P less than 0.001) and a recently described neutrophil iodide uptake assay (r = 0.88, P less than 0.001).

Adult

Immunological studies on pre-eclampsia in Nigerian women.

Circulating immune complexes, C3b inactivator, C3 activator, C3c, C4 and C-reactive protein were assayed in 49 patients with pre-eclampsia and 35 apparently healthy pregnant Nigerian women. Pre-eclamptic women had significantly higher mean levels of circulating immune complexes, C3c and C-reactive protein. C3 activator mean level was also higher in pre-eclampsia than in normal pregnancy, C3b inactivator concentrations were greatly depressed and the mean level was also significantly lower in the pre-eclamptic group (P less than 0.001). However, C4 mean levels were the same in both groups. From the results, it is postulated that in pre-eclamptic conditions the significantly depressed levels of C3b inactivator could predispose to the persistence of deposited immune complexes in the kidneys, resulting in tissue damage. The findings also generally indicate an immunologic pathogenesis for the renal lesions in pre-eclampsia in Nigerian women.

C-Reactive Protein

Higher alpha 1-antitrypsin, haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin and lower retinol binding protein plasma levels during depression: further evidence for the existence of an inflammatory response during that illness.

Recently, a few reports have shown that severe depression may be associated with higher levels of positive acute phase proteins (APPs), such as haptoglobin (Hp), alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (alpha 1S) and lower levels of negative APPs (visceral proteins), such as albumin (Alb) and transferrin (Tf). In order to reassess whether depression is related to alterations in the expression of plasma APP concentrations, we measured in 84 normal controls and depressed inpatients positive APPs such as Hp, alpha 1-antitrypsin (alpha 1AT), hemopexin (Hpx), ceruloplasmin (Cp), complement component C3C and one visceral protein, i.e., retinol binding protein (RBP). We found increased plasma concentrations of Hp, alpha 1AT, and Cp in major depressed subjects as compared with healthy controls, with minor depressives exhibiting an intermediate position. RBP was significantly lower in minor and major depressives than in normal controls. The disorders in these proteins were rather sensitive (62%) for major depression, with a specificity equalling 96%. Our findings are compatible with the hypothesis that major depression may be accompanied by inflammatory changes with higher levels of positive APPs (i.e., alpha 1AT, Hp, Cp, alpha 1S) and lower levels of visceral proteins (i.e., RBP, Tf, Alb).

Acute-Phase Reaction

[Comparison of protein concentrations in saliva and serum].

Saliva and serum protein profiles composed of 12 proteins: IgA, IgG, IgM, albumin, transferrin, alpha 1-glycoprotein acid, alpha 2-macroglobulin, alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor, haptoglobine, C3C, C4 and CRP were obtained by laser nephelometry of aliquots of samples of non-stimulated whole saliva and blood taken at the same time. The population of 138 controls of both sexes was divided into 4 age groups: 1 (20 to 29 years), 2 (30 to 39 years), 3 (40 to 49 years), 4 (50 to 60 years). Using the techniques developed for saliva assay, 10 proteins were measurable: IgA, IgG, IgM, albumin, transferrin, alpha 1-glycoprotein acid, alpha 2-macroglobulin, alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor, haptoglobulin and C3C. The C4 fraction and CRP were present at concentrations lower than the detection limit i.e. at 1.8 and 2.05 mg/l. In the serum 11 proteins were analysed, CRP occurring at less than 0.01 g/l. The statistical two-factor variance analysis test (sex and age) demonstrated the statistically significant influence of age in the saliva for alpha 1-PI and alpha 2-M in the serum for Tf, alpha 2-M and alpha 1-PI, and sex in the serum for IgG, IgM, alpha 1-PI, alpha 2-M and also the interaction of both factors in the serum for alpha 2-M.

Adult

[Immunoelectron microscopic observation of membranous nephropathy in children using protein A-gold complex method].

The ultrastructural localization of immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM), complement component (C3c), or fibrinogen-related antigen (FRA) was investigated on 5 biopsy samples from 5 children with idiopathic MN or lupus nephritis using protein A-gold (PAG) complex method. The immunoreactivity of IgG was essentially confined to the mesangial and subepithelial electron-dense deposit (EDD) in all of 5 children, and more intense staining of IgG was observed in 3 children with stage II of MN than those with stage I and stage III of MN. Double immunocytochemical staining showed the same distribution of both IgG and IgM or both IgG and FRA in subepithelial EDD in 2 of 5 children. These findings suggest that IgG deposits are associated with the formation of subepithelial EDD in MN, and raise the possibility that IgM and FRA deposits may result from entrapment and/or immunological reaction.

Adolescent

Levels of complement receptor type one (CR1, CD35) on erythrocytes, circulating immune complexes and complement C3 split products C3d and C3c are not changed by short-term physical exercise or training.

The effect of heavy short-term physical exercise on the levels of complement receptor type one (CR1, CD35) on erythrocytes, the concentrations of circulating immune complexes (IC), and the complement C3 split products C3c and C3d were examined in young healthy males. Fourteen untrained volunteers underwent a 60-min bicycle exercise test at 75% of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). Six of the volunteers were exercised twice with an interval of at least one month. Before the second bicycle test they received oral indomethacin. With an interval of at least 1 week, 6 also went through a 60-min back-muscle exercise at up to 30% of VO2max. Blood samples were collected before and during the last few minutes of exercise as well as 2 h and 24 h afterwards. The same parameters were examined once in 29 highly trained racing cyclists. There were no consistent or significant exercise-induced changes in the levels of erythrocyte CR1, circulating IC, C3c nor C3d as measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, polyethylene glycol precipitation complement consumption method, and by intermediate gel rocket immunoelectrophoresis, respectively. Neither did these parameters differ from controls in the highly trained group. The results indicate that CR1 on erythrocytes, circulating immune complexes and complement cleavage products C3c and C3d in healthy subjects remain unaffected by short-term heavy physical activity and training.

Adult

[Concentrations of acute phase proteins in serum during the first two hours of hemodialysis using cuprophane and cellulose acetate dialyzers in patients with chronic renal failure].

In ten patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) serum concentrations of alpha 1-acid glycoprotein, alpha 1-antitrypsin, prealbumin, hemopexin, transferrin, haptoglobin, C3c and C4 complement components, ceruloplasmin, alpha 2-macroglobulin were determined using Partigen plates before, 30 min. and 2 hours after beginning of HD. Serum concentrations of C3c complement component, prealbumin increased significantly during HD using CU dialyser, but changes during HD using CA dialyser were not significant. Serum concentrations of alpha 1-antitrypsin, hemopexin increased significantly after two hours of HD using CA dialyser, but changes during HD using CU dialyser were again not significant. Serum concentrations of alpha 1-acid glycoprotein, transferrin, haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, C4 complement component during HD using both dialyzers did not change significantly. Serum concentration of alpha 2-macroglobulin was higher after two hours of HD. The type of dialysis membrane has important influence on changes of serum acute phase proteins during the initial period of HD.

Acute-Phase Proteins

Changes of serum complement concentrations in tumour patients prior and after radiotherapy.

Peripheral blood concentrations of leucocytes, platelets and complement factors Clq, C3c, C3d, C4 and C5 were examined in 30 patients suffering from malignant tumours prior and after radiotherapy. In general, a decrease of blood cell concentrations as well as serum complement levels was noted using regression analysis. Two groups were formed: patients with (group I) and without (group II) foregoing tumour surgery. A positive correlation was found for all complement factors prior therapy in group I, whereas only some complement components did correlate in group II. The results in group I are in agreement with complements classical pathway activation. We conclude that the alternative pathways influence is responsible for the different results in group II.

Combined Modality Therapy

C3 cleavage products stimulate release of prostaglandins by human mononuclear phagocytes in vitro.

Human monocytes cultured for up to 48 hr in serum-free, chemically defined culture media released low levels of prostaglandin. C3b, C3bi, and C3c stimulated an indomethacin-sensitive, dose-responsive increase in the amount of monocyte prostaglandin released by 18 hr after treatment. Native C3 and C3d, which do not bind to monocyte receptors, failed to stimulate increased prostaglandin release. Lymphocytes, treated and untreated, produced 10(-2) to 10(-3) as much prostaglandin as the monocytes. These data support the concept that monocytes are a significant source of leukocyte prostaglandin. They also introduce an important new biologic function for the C3 fragments C3b, C3bi, and C3c.

Cells, Cultured

Immunopathology of subcutaneous rheumatoid nodules.

Nodules obtained from five patients with classical seropositive rheumatoid arthritis were studied by an immunofluorescence technique using polyclonal antibodies to IgG, IgA, IgM, C3c, and fibrin, and monoclonal antibodies to the terminal (C5b-9) complement complex (reaction with a neoantigen in C9 revealed during activation), DR antigens, T cells, macrophages, and interdigitating cells. In all instances the central necrotic areas stained strongly for fibrin and more weakly for IgG, IgA, IgM, C3, and terminal complement complex. The surrounding palisading cells reacted with antibodies to DR and macrophages. In the peripheral granulomatous tissue most of the lymphocytes reacted with the antibodies to T cells, whereas various amounts of the larger mononuclear cells were stained by antibodies to DR antigens, macrophages, and interdigitating cells. In all instances the walls of some of the smaller vessels in the granulomatous tissue stained for fibrin, C3, and terminal complement complex. Plasma cells were not seen except for scattered IgM cells in one nodule. These results support the view that the palisading cells are derived from macrophages, and indicate that there is vasculitis with activation of C3 and the terminal complement pathway in the granulomatous tissue.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid

In situ characterization of the inflammatory cell infiltrates of hyperplastic denture stomatitis.

Cryostat sections from 14 surgical specimens were examined to determine whether selected factors of the immune response related to histopathological reactions are present in the palatal mucosa affected by hyperplastic denture stomatitis. By means of various immunological techniques the presence of IgG, IgA, IgM, complement factor C3c, receptors for the Fc region of IgG (FcR) and for complement factor C3b (C3bR), T lymphocytes, and macrophages were studied. The inflammatory infiltrate was mainly located in the papillary part of the lamina propria. IgG, IgA, and IgM appeared both in plasma cells and intercellularly. FcR, C3bR, and T lymphocytes were present in the areas with inflammatory cell infiltrate. Macrophages were found in the papillary part of the lamina propria and within the epithelium. The immunological response in the mucosa affected by denture stomatitis was in many respects similar to that of marginal and apical periodontitis. We conclude that hyperplastic denture stomatitis is a complex inflammatory lesion showing elements of both humoral and cellular immune responses.

Antibody Formation

Binding capacity of sera from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to C3c. Evaluation by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Immunoconglutinins (IKs) are autoantibodies directed against antigenic determinants on C3 complement component. An ELISA was performed to detect IKs in sera from 50 RA patients, 50 SLE patients and 50 normal subjects. Comparison showed significantly higher levels in patients than in normal subjects (p less than 0.001) and higher IKs levels in RA than in SLE (p less than 0.001). IKs were not related to others biological tests, except a statistically significant inverse correlation between IKs and circulating immune complexes levels detected by conglutinin binding assay in RA.

Adult