title: Complement activity in middle ear effusions.
abstract: 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.
mesh_terms: 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*
chemical_list: D003176:Complement C3; D003181:Complement C4; D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D003165:Complement System Proteins; D011415:Complement Factor B