C3B RECEPTORS IN GLOMERULAR DISEASE

Abstract

Using 2 indicator systems.sbd.sheep erythrocytes or fluoresceinated Salmonella typhi coated with C3b[b fragment of complement component 3].sbd.the presence of a receptor for C3b (but not C3d) in the normal human glomerulus is confirmed. No receptor could be detected in other species tested (mouse, rat, guinea-pig, rabbit and rhesus monkey). Binding of indicator particles was reduced or lost in diseases associated with glomerular capillary deposition of C3, but not in those with mesangial deposition alone. In some cases the receptor was lost in the absence of detectable C3 deposition. No receptors were detected in proliferating cells in glomerular crescents.