title: Complement activation in uveitis.
abstract: To determine whether complement is activated in uveitis we have measured plasma levels of C3d, a sensitive indicator of complement activation. Increased levels of C3d were found in 11 of 15 patients with idiopathic uveitis, 13 of whom had circulating immune complexes containing complement components. Since during complement activation potent mediators of inflammation are generated, it is suggested that the activation of complement, possibly triggered by uveal deposition of immune complexes, has an important role in the pathogenesis of uveitis.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000032:analysis; D002648:Child; D003167:Complement Activation; D003176:Complement C3 / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D015933:Complement C3d; D003181:Complement C4 / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000378:metabolism; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000378:metabolism; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012217:Rheumatoid Factor / Q000378:metabolism; D014605:Uveitis / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D001323:Autoantibodies; D003176:Complement C3; D003181:Complement C4; D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007075:Immunoglobulin M; D015933:Complement C3d; D012217:Rheumatoid Factor