title: Alternative complement pathway in schizophrenia.
abstract: In the present study, we evaluated functional activity of the alternative pathway of complement in schizophrenia by measuring the alternative pathway hemolytic activity (AH50) of complement as well as hemolytic activity of the complement C3 component (C3H50) in the blood of patients with schizophrenia and healthy subjects. To assess the influence of neuroleptic treatment on measured parameters, both drug-free and medicated patients were examined. In addition, correlation analysis between AH50 and C3H50 has been performed. The results of the present study clearly demonstrate upregulation of the alternative complement cascade in schizophrenia and activator effect of neuroleptics on complement alternative pathway. Based upon the results obtained we hypothesize that hyperactivation of the alternative complement pathway in schizophrenia is stimulated by apoptotic cells.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Molecular Biology NAS RA, 7 Hasratyan St., 0014, Yerevan, Armenia. aboyajyan@sci.am
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Boyajyan
authors.forename: Aren
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Khoyetsyan
authors.forename: Andranik
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chavushyan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003176:Complement C3 / Q000032:analysis*; D015941:Complement Hemolytic Activity Assay; D003170:Complement Pathway, Alternative; D005260:Female; D006461:Hemolysis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D003176:Complement C3