title: Cells carrying C5b-9 complement complexes in human atherosclerotic wall.
abstract: Fibrous plaques and intimal thickenings of 5 femoral and 5 iliac human arteries obtained at surgery were processed for indirect and double-labeling immunoelectron microscopy using an affinity purified rabbit IgG anti-C5b-9 neoantigen and the EBM 11 monoclonal antibody anti-human macrophages. The C5b-9 complexes were localized in intact cells, disintegrated cells and cell debris enmeshed in the connective tissue matrix. Some of the cell debris bearing C5b-9 deposits was found to be of macrophage origin. Endocyted or exocyted pieces of membrane with pore-forming C5b-9 complexes were also identified. Damage of cells by complement in atherosclerotic lesions may contribute to atherogenesis.
authors.affiliation: Medical Clinic No. 1, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
authors.forename: H G
authors.initials: HG
authors.lastname: Rus
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Niculescu
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Poruţiu
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Ghiurca
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Vlaicu
mesh_terms: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000276:immunology*; D015938:Complement Membrane Attack Complex; D003165:Complement System Proteins / Q000276:immunology*; D005263:Femoral Artery / Q000276:immunology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D007083:Iliac Artery / Q000276:immunology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008264:Macrophages / Q000166:cytology
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D015938:Complement Membrane Attack Complex; D003165:Complement System Proteins