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The classical and alternate pathways of complement in oral contraceptive users
J M Delâge1, G Lehner-Netsch, J Brisson
1Centre d'hématologie et d'immunologie clinique, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, Québec, Canada.
Contraception
|December 1, 1987
Summary
Oral contraceptives may elevate complement levels, particularly in the first year of use. However, these levels return to normal after discontinuation, showing no adverse effects on complement pathways.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Oral contraceptives are widely used by women of reproductive age.
- The complement system plays a crucial role in immune responses.
- Previous studies have suggested potential effects of oral contraceptives on the immune system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of oral contraceptive use on complement system components.
- To compare complement levels between current users, past users, and never users of oral contraceptives.
Main Methods:
- Serum levels of whole complement (CH50), C3, C4, alternate pathway activity (APH50), and factor B were measured.
- 159 current oral contraceptive users and 186 non-users were included in the study.
Main Results:
- Mean levels of CH50, C3, C4, and factor B were elevated in current oral contraceptive users compared to non-users.
- Complement component elevation was observed within the first year of oral contraceptive use and remained stable thereafter.
- Complement levels in women who stopped oral contraceptives were similar to those who never used them.
- Results were consistent across different types of progestagens in oral contraceptives.
Conclusions:
- Oral contraceptives appear to temporarily elevate certain complement components.
- These changes do not indicate adverse effects on the classical or alternate complement pathways.
- Complement levels normalize after cessation of oral contraceptive use.