Circulating immune complexes after splenectomy.
Circulating immune complexes were evaluated in 25 patients (age range 10 to 46 years) who had undergone splenectomy for non-malignant conditions by studying a polyethylene glycol insoluble serum fraction. Although the extent of binding to Clq was within normal limits, these patients had increased concentrations of factor B in the immune complex serum fraction. These findings indicate that an unusual type of circulating immune complex may be detected after splenectomy, suggesting a possible role for the spleen in the removal of circulating immune complexes.
Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
E A
EA
Donadi
I F
IF
Carvalho
R P
RP
Falcão
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex / Q000378:metabolism*; D002648:Child; D003166:Complement Activating Enzymes / Q000378:metabolism; D003172:Complement C1 / Q000378:metabolism; D015922:Complement C1q; D003179:Complement C3b / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011233:Precipitin Tests; D013154:Spleen / Q000276:immunology; D013156:Splenectomy; D013997:Time Factors
D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex; D003172:Complement C1; D015922:Complement C1q; D003179:Complement C3b; D003166:Complement Activating Enzymes