The effect of vitamin C deficiency on complement systems and complement components

The changes in the complement systems and complement hemolytic activities through classical and alternative pathways, and the individual components, C1, C4, C2 and C3 were demonstrated in the course of vitamin C deficiency in guinea pigs. During the course of vitamin C deficiency during the first week after the start of the experiment, all components except C1 slightly decreased, gradually increasing in the following weeks. This indicates that this period is important in the formation of an immune defence system in the host. At the time the symptoms of vitamin C deficiency appeared, C1, C2 and CH50 started to decrease. C3 increased when vitamin C deficiency became severe and showed a completely different pattern from those of the other components. The lowered C1 will be due to a collagen-like region in the characteristic of Clq subcomponent, since insufficient vitamin C state produces impaired collagen formation. The activity of the alternative pathway did not produce any change in this course, even in the severe stage. This indicates that the increase in C3 will contribute to maintaining the level of the alternative pathway and maintaining the body defence system in the vitamin D-deficient state, and that the complement system will be supported through the alternative pathway.