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[Complement activation in citrate plasma--inhibitory effect of anticoagulants on serum complement activation]
E Kobayashi1, E Kitano, H Kondo
1Department of Medical Technology, Osaka Prefectural College of Health Sciences, Habikino.
Rinsho Byori. the Japanese Journal of Clinical Pathology
|March 31, 1999
Summary
Complement can activate in citrate plasma but not EDTA plasma, challenging the assumption that calcium chelation inhibits all complement activity. This finding impacts laboratory diagnostics and research involving blood samples.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Hematology
Context:
- The conventional understanding is that EDTA and citrate plasma inhibit complement activation due to calcium chelation.
- Observed discrepancies in CH50 levels between serum, EDTA, and citrate plasma suggest differential effects on complement.
Purpose:
- To investigate the precise inhibitory effects of EDTA and citrate on complement activation.
- To determine the threshold concentrations of EDTA and citrate that affect complement activity versus blood coagulation.
Summary:
- Complement activation was observed with 2.0 mmol/L EDTA but inhibited at 2.5 mmol/L, while coagulation was inhibited above 2.0 mmol/L EDTA.
- Complement activation occurred with 25 mmol/L citrate but was inhibited at 50 mmol/L, whereas coagulation was inhibited above 6.2 mmol/L citrate.
- Given typical clinical concentrations (3.5 mmol/L EDTA, 10.9 mmol/L citrate), complement activation is feasible in citrate plasma but not EDTA plasma.
Impact:
- This research clarifies the behavior of complement in different plasma types used in clinical settings.
- Findings necessitate a re-evaluation of complement studies using EDTA plasma and suggest citrate plasma may be suitable for certain complement assays.
- Provides crucial information for accurate interpretation of laboratory results and experimental design in immunological and hematological research.