title: Molecular characterization of complement components (C3, C4, and factor B) in human saliva.
abstract: A molecular analysis of complement components (C3, C4, and factor B) in human saliva was performed by SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting. Complement C3 was detected as a molecule composed of a 115-kDa alpha-chain linked to a 70-kDa beta chain by disulfide bonds, and C3 levels ranged from 0.52 to 15.0 micrograms/ml (n = 15). C4 was detected as a triple-chain molecule (98-kDa alpha chain, 73-kDa beta chain, and 33-kDa gamma chain) linked by disulfide bonds, and C4 levels ranged from 0.086 to 4.8 micrograms/ml. Factor B was detected as a 100-kDa single chain, and factor B levels ranged from 0.042 to 0.62/microgram/ml. The sizes and subunit structures of the complement components in human saliva were compatible with those reported in human serum. The results of a hemolytic assay indicated that the complement molecules in human saliva were functionally active. These complement components may participate in the local immune and inflammatory responses in the oral cavity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Andoh
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Fujiyama
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kimura
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Uchihara
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sakumoto
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Okabe
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Bamba
mesh_terms: D003176:Complement C3 / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology; D003181:Complement C4 / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology; D011415:Complement Factor B / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification; D015941:Complement Hemolytic Activity Assay; D006801:Humans; D015151:Immunoblotting; D011487:Protein Conformation; D017433:Protein Structure, Secondary; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D003176:Complement C3; D003181:Complement C4; D011415:Complement Factor B