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Updated: May 19, 2026

Methods for Quantitative Detection of Antibody-induced Complement Activation on Red Blood Cells
Published on: January 29, 2014
Alteration of complement hemolytic activity in different trauma and sepsis models
Christian Ehrnthaller1, Umme Amara, Sebastian Weckbach
1Department of Traumatology, Hand, Plastic, and Reconstructive Surgery, Center of Surgery, University of Ulm, Germany;
Complement activation is crucial in innate immunity but its role is unclear. Measuring complement hemolytic activity (CH50) in animal models revealed varied responses, necessitating further specific factor analysis for accurate assessment.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Innate Immunity
- Complement System
Background:
- Complement activation is integral to innate immunity and implicated in various diseases.
- The precise pathophysiological role of complement activation remains incompletely understood.
- Experimental models are vital for studying complement's role in conditions like ischemia-reperfusion and sepsis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate complement function using complement hemolytic activity (CH50) across diverse clinically relevant animal models.
- To assess the utility of CH50 as a screening method for complement activation in pathological conditions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized various animal models including isolated ischemia-reperfusion (kidney, liver, gut), hemorrhagic traumatic shock (HTS), endotoxic shock (LPS), and sepsis (CLP).
- Measured complement hemolytic activity (CH50) as a primary indicator of complement function.
- Compared CH50 results across different pathological conditions.
Main Results:
- Complement activation was less pronounced in isolated ischemia-reperfusion models.
- A strong complement response was observed early in hemorrhagic traumatic shock (HTS), sepsis (CLP), and endotoxic shock (LPS) models.
- CH50 screening showed variability in results across different clinically relevant animal models.
Conclusions:
- Complement hemolytic activity (CH50) is a rapid, cost-effective method for screening complement function.
- CH50 alone is insufficient for a comprehensive understanding of complement activation in complex disease models.
- Further analysis of specific complement factors is required for accurate pathophysiological assessment in various disease states.
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