Characterization of complement activity in turkeys: evidence for classical and alternative complement pathways

Complement activity in turkey serum was examined by using inhibitors or activators of mammalian complement. Hemolytic test systems using sheep red blood cells sensitized with specific antibody (SSRBC) and horse red blood cells (HRBC) were developed to measure residual complement activity of turkey sera treated with the various inhibitors or activators. Lysis of SSRBC was blocked by treatment with 6-mM EDTA, 10-mM ethylene glycol-bis-beta aminoethylether N,N,N',N' tetraacetic acid (EGTA), and carrageenan. In contrast, lysis of HRBC was blocked by 6-mM EDTA, but not by 10-mM EGTA or carrageenan. Addition of magnesium to EGTA-chelated serum facilitated the lysis of HRBC but not the lysis of SSRBC. Treatment of serum with zymosan at 1 mg/mL and inulin at 5 mg/mL depleted hemolytic activity against both SSRBC and HRBC, suggesting depletion of components common to both pathways. Differences in the hemolytic activities of sera against SSRBC and HRBC after treatment with the various complement inhibitors and activators demonstrate the presence of two complement pathways in turkeys.