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Human complement C7 and C9 in fetal and newborn sera
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|July 1, 1975
Insights
Complement system proteins like C7, C9, and C3 activator are present in fetal and newborn blood. Levels are lower than in adults, with C9 at 10-30% and C7 at 70% of adult levels.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Developmental Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The complement system is a crucial part of innate immunity.
- Understanding complement component levels during fetal development is important for assessing immune competence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detect and quantify specific complement proteins (C7, C9, C3 activator) in fetal and newborn human sera.
- To compare these levels with those found in adult and maternal blood.
Main Methods:
- Immune sera were used for detection.
- Quantification of complement components C7, C9, and C3 activator.
Main Results:
- C7, C9, and C3 activator were detected in human fetal sera ( > 16 weeks) and newborn samples.
- Cord serum C9 levels were 10-30% of adult levels.
- Newborn C3 activator levels were approximately 50% of maternal levels.
- Newborn C7 levels were approximately 70% of adult levels.
Conclusions:
- The human complement system, specifically C7, C9, and C3 activator, is developing during the fetal and neonatal periods.
- These complement components are present but at reduced concentrations compared to adults, suggesting a gradually maturing immune function.
Abstract:
Using specific immune sera, C7, C9, and C3 activator were detected in sera from human fetuses more than 16 weeks old and in newborn samples. Levels of C9 in cord sera ranged between 10 and 30% of those present in sera from adult subjects. The mean value of Ce activator was about half that in maternal blood. The mean level of C7 in newborns was nearly 70% of the amount in normal adults.