In vitro complement activation by ragweed allergen extract in the sera of ragweed allergic and non-allergic persons.
Ragweed allergen (RWA)-induced complement activation in sera of 40 RW allergic patients and of 40 non-allergic controls was investigated. After treatment of the sera with RWA, levels of C3a, C5a, C3bBbP, C1rC1sClinh, SC5b-9 and granulocyte-aggregating activity were determined. Concentration of RW-specific IgG was also measured. After RWA treatment dose-dependent complement activation was detected in sera of RW allergic and non-allergic persons. C3a generation was observed mostly in the sera of RW allergic individuals, while levels of C3bBbP and of RW-specific IgG were significantly higher in sera of allergics, and a strong correlation was found between these two parameters. In a prospective clinical study, a significant positive correlation was observed between the extent of RWA-induced alternative pathway (AP) activation and the severity of symptoms of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis that were developed in a 4-week period subsequent to blood sampling. These observations suggest that complement activation has a role in the development of the symptoms of RW allergy.
Hidvégi
T
T
National Institute of Haematology, Blood Transfusion and Immunology, Budapest, Hungary.
Schmidt
B
B
Varga
L
L
Dervaderics
M
M
Lantos
A
A
Gönczi
Z
Z
Barok
J
J
Otos
M
M
Kirschfink
M
M
Späth
P
P
D003167:Complement Activation; D003165:Complement System Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000097:blood; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000276:immunology*; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology*
D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D010936:Plant Extracts; D003165:Complement System Proteins