Activation of the alternative pathway of human complement by sulfhydryl compounds of analytic and therapeutic use

Thiol-containing drugs (dimercaprol, dimercaptopropanesulfonate, captopril, penicillamine, N-acetylcysteine) and the standard reducing agent beta-mercaptoethanol, activate the alternative pathway of complement as shown by in vitro experiments. Depending on the substance tested, at concentrations of 0.5-5 mM, cleavage products of C3 and factor B were demonstrable in serum by immunoelectrophoresis. The regulatory protein factor I proved to be very sensitive to thiols; this observation offers an explanation for the alternative pathway activating effect of these substances. At concentrations of thiols that initiate the alternative pathway, the classical pathway was not or only to a minor extent activated; however, the activity of C2, C5 and one or several of the components C6-9 was directly affected. Alkylation of the thiol group of the compounds tested, abrogated their effects on the complement system.