Serial samples from 40 patients with acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (AGN) were studied. Early in the disease, all patients showed decreased C3, and C5 and/or properdin values were low in 91%. The concentrations of C1q, C1s, C2, C4 and factor B were largely normal or increased. Concluding from determinations of C-reactive protein, orosomucoid and α1-antitrypsin, complement component levels were influenced by an acute-phase reaction related to infection preceding AGN. Increased amounts in serum of α2-complexes composed of C1r, C1s and C1 inactivator proteins in 83% and moderately reduced C2 in 23% of the patients gave evidence of classical pathway activation during the early phase of AGN. Early in the disease, C3-cleaving activity in serum was found in 72%. The activity was heat-labile and produced C3 cleavage in serum chelated with Mg++ EGTA and in some cases also in the presence of EDTA. The findings suggested that complement activation early in AGN proceeds mainly by an alternative pathway mechanism. In 2 patients, activation of the classical pathway occurred fairly late in the disease and was then associated with the transient appearance of heat-stable C3-cleaving activity in serum. Serial measurements of C1q-binding substances were not clearly informative as to the role of circulating immune complexes in AGN.

This content is only available via PDF.
© 1979 S. Karger AG, Basel
1979
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.