Localization of the terminal C5b-9 complement complex in the human aortic atherosclerotic wall.
The terminal C5b-9 complement complex was investigated in 15 aortic, 2 femoral fibrous plaques and 5 fatty streaks aortic intimae using indirect immunofluorescence and immunoperoxidase. All the fibrous plaques presented C5b-9 deposit-like threads in the fibrous cap and masses in the amorphous areas of the plaque. The deposits were frequently associated with other immune-related proteins such as: IgG, IgA, IgM, Clq, C3c and C4 which were simultaneously investigated. Fatty streaks intimae presented no C5b-9 and complement component deposits. Whereas the demonstration of the complement components could merely reflect a non-specific trapping, the presence of assembled C5b-9 in the damaged tissue is more indicative of the involvement of complement activation in the progression of atherosclerotic lesions.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001011:Aorta / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D015938:Complement Membrane Attack Complex; D003165:Complement System Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008875:Middle Aged
D015938:Complement Membrane Attack Complex; D003165:Complement System Proteins