Variations in serum complement following inulin infusion in man.
Complement levels were determined in 12 normal human volunteers while receiving intravenous infusions of inulin for determination of standard inulin clearances. Significant decreases in beta IC globulin and total hemolytic complement activity were observed when inulin was infused, but not following infusion of saline as a control. These effects were noted only when steady-state inulin levels were greater than 26 mg%, suggesting a dose-dependent response. No evidence of increased coagulation was noted as measured by fibrinogen and fibrin degradation products. Since C4 levels remained largely unchanged following inulin infusion, it was concluded that the results most likely occurred through activation of the alternate complement pathway.
D000328:Adult; D003181:Complement C4 / Q000032:analysis; D003165:Complement System Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D007444:Inulin / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012712:Serum Globulins / Q000032:analysis
D003181:Complement C4; D012712:Serum Globulins; D007444:Inulin; D003165:Complement System Proteins