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Complement, complement activation and anaphylatoxins in human ovarian follicular fluid
R Perricone1, C de Carolis, C Moretti
1Dipartimento di Chirurgia, II University of Rome, Tor Vergata, Italy.
Clinical and Experimental Immunology
|November 1, 1990
Summary
Human follicular fluid contains active complement, a key immune system component. This finding suggests a role for complement in the ovulation process.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive immunology
- Human physiology
Background:
- The complement system is crucial for immune responses.
- Its presence and activity in human follicular fluid are not well-understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and activity of the complement system in human pre-ovulatory follicular fluid.
- To explore potential activators of complement in this fluid.
Main Methods:
- Functional complement assays (total hemolytic complement, classical and alternative pathway activity).
- Immunochemical analysis for complement factors (C1-C9, B, C1 INH, H, I).
- Radioimmunoassay (RIA) for anaphylatoxins.
- In vitro experiments with urokinase-like substances.
Main Results:
- Functionally active complement, including classical and alternative pathways, was detected in human follicular fluid.
- All complement factors from C1 to C9, B, C1 INH, H, and I were identified.
- Anaphylatoxins were present at significantly higher levels than in plasma, indicating partial complement activation.
- Urokinase-like substances may play a role in complement activation in vitro.
Conclusions:
- Active complement is present in human pre-ovulatory follicular fluid.
- Follicular fluid complement is partially activated, potentially by urokinase-like substances.
- The presence of active complement may be relevant to the mechanism of ovulation.