IDENTIFICATION OF COMPONENTS OF COMPLEMENT PARTICIPATING IN ANTIGLOBULIN REACTION

Abstract

Red cells sensitized with a complement-binding antibody and then incubated with fresh serum have been shown to be coated with [beta]1C and [beta]1E globulin, two components of the complement system that have been isolated recently. Red cells presumably in the state EAC[image] 1.4 reacted with anti-B1E and cells presumably in the state EAC[image]1,4,2,3a reacted with anti [beta]1E and with anti-[beta]1C. Agglutination of complement-coated cells by "broad spectrum" antiglobulin sera was effectively inhibited by purified [beta]1E and [beta]1C globulin. Red cells from certain patients with acquired haemolytic anaemia were found to be coated in vivo with [beta]1E and [beta]1C globulin. The function and significance of the two serum components have been discussed.