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Human complement C7 and C9 in fetal and newborn sera.
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|July 1, 1975
Summary
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.