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Human seminal plasma inhibition of complement
The Journal of Laboratory and Clinical Medicine
|October 1, 1980
Summary
Human seminal plasma contains factors that inhibit the immune system, specifically by reducing complement activity essential for killing bacteria like E. coli and N. gonorrhoeae.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Human seminal plasma possesses factors that suppress immune functions.
- These factors may inhibit complement activity, which is crucial for eliminating Gram-negative bacteria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of seminal plasma on complement hemolytic activity.
- To determine if seminal plasma inhibits complement-mediated bacterial killing.
Main Methods:
- Assessing complement hemolytic activity (CH50) for C3 and C4 in the presence and absence of seminal plasma.
- Measuring bactericidal activity against Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Escherichia coli.
Main Results:
- Seminal plasma reduced C3 and C4 titers by approximately 50%, indicating complement inhibition.
- Seminal plasma inhibited both classical and alternative complement pathways, including Factor B cleavage.
- The inhibitory factor is of low molecular weight and likely a protease inhibitor.
Conclusions:
- Human seminal plasma significantly inhibits complement activity.
- This inhibition may explain the immunoinhibitory properties of seminal plasma against bacterial infections.