The serum complement system: a simplified laboratory exercise to measure the activity of an important component of the immune system.
The immune system is a vital physiological component that affords animals protection from disease and is composed of innate and adaptive mechanisms that rely on cellular and dissolved components. The serum complement system is a series of dissolved proteins that protect against a variety of pathogens. The activity of complement in serum can be determined by its ability to lyse red blood cells in vitro. Here, we describe a modification of a standard complement hemolysis assay that makes an interesting and informative laboratory exercise suitable for a variety of courses including physiology.
Inglis
Jordan E
JE
Biology Department, Stonehill College, Easton, MA 02357, USA.
Radziwon
Kimberly A
KA
Maniero
Gregory D
GD
D000818:Animals; D003165:Complement System Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000378:metabolism*; D012756:Sheep
D003165:Complement System Proteins