Activation of the alternate complement pathway by autologous red cell stroma

The present study demonstrates the ability of human autologous RBC stroma to activate the alternate complement pathway (C3-Activator system, properdin system), as evidenced by the generation of C3-Activator (C3A) from C3-Proactivator (C3PA) when RBC ghosts and sonicated ghosts are incubated with autologous serum. Intact RBC's, hemoglobin, and concentrated platelet stroma, on the other hand, are inactive in this regard. We postulate that this in vitro activity of RBC stroma may occur intravascularly when erythrocytes are damaged by immune or nonimmune mechanisms. The ensuing interaction of activated complement components with platelets leading to release of platelet factor three (PF-3) may constitute a mechanism for activation of the coagulation system during acute hemolytic episodes.