COMPLEMENT AND ISOHEMAGGLUTININS IN URINARY PROTEINS 1

Abstract

Complement component activities were identified in the precipitated urinary proteins of patients with nephrotic syndrome, acute or chronic glomerulbnephritis, or arteriosclerotic heart disease with a nephrotic component. The excretion of C''2 was most consistent and in the largest relative quantity. C''3 and C''4 were excreted in most of the cases, but C''1 was seldom excreted and then only in small amount. Since C''l is a euglobulin, retention of this component may be related to its solubility. Isohemagglutinins have been isolated with the urinary proteins in 5 instances. Identification of these was in agreement with the blood types of the patients. It is inferred that normal plasma proteins may be lost in the urine of patients with kidney disease. The loss of proteins of immunological significance may be the cause of the diminished resistance to infection often noted in patients with impaired renal function.