Complement activity in middle ear effusions.
Evidence for complement utilization in middle ear fluids (MEF) from patients with otitis media with effusion was sought. It was found that cleavage products of C3, C4 and Factor B could be demonstrated immunochemically in MEF, and that native C3 was present in much lower concentrations than other proteins, relative to their serum concentrations. Haemolytic assays for C1-C5 showed that early complement components are inactivated in MEF. Potential mechanisms for complement utilization in MEF are discussed.
D002648:Child; D003176:Complement C3 / Q000032:analysis; D003181:Complement C4 / Q000032:analysis; D011415:Complement Factor B / Q000032:analysis; D003165:Complement System Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D004432:Ear, Middle; D005122:Exudates and Transudates / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D005779:Immunodiffusion; D007122:Immunoelectrophoresis; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000032:analysis; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis; D010033:Otitis Media / Q000276:immunology*
D003176:Complement C3; D003181:Complement C4; D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D003165:Complement System Proteins; D011415:Complement Factor B