title: Immune complexes and complement components in Bell's palsy.
abstract: The serum levels of circulating immune complexes were studied in 63 patients and the complement system in 36 patients with Bell's palsy. The IgG-C1q and IgG-C3 containing immune complexes were analyzed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The levels were found to be significantly elevated in the acute and convalescent stages of the palsy compared with controls. The total complement activity as determined by a CH50 assay and complement component C3 titrations also showed elevated values. The levels of C2 were not altered. The results indicate in Bell's palsy an inflammatory process and an antigen-antibody response which may be triggered by a viral antigen.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D002648:Child; D003166:Complement Activating Enzymes / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology; D003172:Complement C1 / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology; D015922:Complement C1q; D003175:Complement C2 / Q000032:analysis; D003176:Complement C3 / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology; D003165:Complement System Proteins / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005158:Facial Paralysis / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex; D003172:Complement C1; D003175:Complement C2; D003176:Complement C3; D015922:Complement C1q; D003165:Complement System Proteins; D003166:Complement Activating Enzymes