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The spleen is not a major synthetic site of alternative pathway components
L Truedsson1, G Sturfelt, K Offenbartl
1Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Lund, Sweden.
Insights
Splenectomy temporarily lowered certain complement proteins like C1q, factor D, and properdin. Levels returned to normal within four weeks, suggesting no significant complement synthesis by the spleen.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Complement System
- Surgical Research
Background:
- The spleen plays a role in immune function.
- The complement system is crucial for innate immunity.
- Splenectomy impacts various physiological processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of splenectomy on serum complement protein concentrations.
- To determine if the spleen synthesizes complement proteins.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples were collected from 7 patients before and after splenectomy.
- Concentrations of 10 complement proteins were measured.
- Comparisons were made with cholecystectomized patients.
Main Results:
- Serum levels of C1q, factor D, and properdin showed moderate decreases 1-2 days post-splenectomy.
- Other complement components remained largely unchanged.
- Values normalized or slightly increased within 4 weeks, consistent with inflammatory responses.
Conclusions:
- Splenectomy causes transient, moderate reductions in specific complement proteins.
- Findings suggest the spleen is not a major site of complement protein synthesis in humans.
- Observed changes are likely due to the acute phase reaction post-surgery.
Abstract:
The serum concentrations of the complement proteins C1q, C1s, C4, C3, factor D, factor B, properdin, C1 inactivator, factor I and factor H were determined in 7 patients before and after splenectomy. The concentrations of C1q, factor D and properdin were moderately decreased 1-2 days after surgery, while the other components were virtually unchanged. During the course of 4 weeks the values either returned to normal, or were slightly increased. In general, the findings could be ascribed to the inflammatory plasma protein response and were similar in cholecystectomized patients. The results provided no evidence of significant complement protein synthesis in the human spleen.