title: THE ACTIVATING EFFECT OF MAGNESIUM AND OTHER CATIONS ON THE HEMOLYTIC FUNCTION OF COMPLEMENT.
abstract: 1. The evidence presented indicates that Mg(++), or other cation such as Ca(++), Ni(++), or Co(++), is essential for the hemolytic action of C'. Ca(++), Ni(++), and Co(++) are less effective than Mg(++). The hemolytic system usually does not contain sufficient Mg(++) for optimal hemolytic activity so that a marked enhancement can be obtained by addition of extra Mg(++). 2. The enhancing action of tissue fluids can be ascribed to their contribution of Mg(++). 3. Substances which bind Mg(++) and Ca(++) are anticomplementary when added to the usual hemolytic system which contains only a small quantity of Mg(++). This type of anticomplementary effect can be overcome by addition of extra Mg(++). 4. Ca(++) may also be essential to the lytic process but its action is much less pronounced than that of Mg(++).
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, and the Presbyterian Hospital, New York.
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Mayer
authors.forename: A G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Osler
authors.forename: O G
authors.initials: OG
authors.lastname: Bier
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Heidelberger
mesh_terms: D002412:Cations; D003165:Complement System Proteins; D008274:Magnesium
chemical_list: D002412:Cations; D003165:Complement System Proteins; D008274:Magnesium