The relationship between macrophages and C5b-9 complement complexes in human atherosclerosis.
The relationship between macrophages and the terminal C5b-9 complement complexes was investigated in human arteries affected with atherosclerosis by using monoclonal antibodies and indirect immunoperoxidase, immunogold silver staining, and double-labeling immunohistochemical techniques. Macrophages were found in all the atherosclerotic arteries as immunoreactive deposits with a nucleus, considered as intact cells, or without a nucleus, considered as cell remnants. The double-labeling technique shows C5b-9 deposits partially colocalized on the intact macrophages or on the cell debris of macrophage origin. These data suggest that C5b-9 complement complex may be formed on activated or dying macrophages with subsequent promotion of inflammatory events and progression of the atherosclerotic lesions.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D001011:Aorta / Q000473:pathology; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003176:Complement C3 / Q000502:physiology; D015926:Complement C3a; D015933:Complement C3d; D015938:Complement Membrane Attack Complex; D003165:Complement System Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008264:Macrophages / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D003176:Complement C3; D015938:Complement Membrane Attack Complex; D015926:Complement C3a; D015933:Complement C3d; D003165:Complement System Proteins