Complement in vitro inhibition by a low-sulfate chondroitin sulfate (matrix)

In this study, the ability of low-sulfate chondroitin sulfate (Matrix), a glycosaminoglycan that does not exhibit anticoagulant action, to inhibit the activation of complement has been evaluated. Two different in vitro tests were employed: lysis of mouse splenocytes sensitized with monoclonal antibodies and lysis of red blood cells sensitized using a rabbit antiserum towards those cells. In both tests, lyophilized rabbit complement was used as complement source. The low-sulfate chondroitin sulfate Matrix has been compared with a hypersulfated one (Arteparon). Both compounds share anticomplementary activity in vitro although potency appears to be related to the sulfate content of the chondroitin.