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Immunohistological detection of C5b-9 complement complexes in normal and pathological human livers
M Polihronis1, D Machet, J Saunders
1Department of Nephrology, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne.
Pathology
|January 1, 1993
Summary
The terminal complement complex C5b-9 is commonly found in liver connective tissue, but its presence does not indicate involvement in liver injury or diseases like fibrosis and cirrhosis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pathology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- The terminal complement complex (C5b-9) plays a role in immune responses.
- Its presence and role in liver disease pathogenesis require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immunohistological localization of the C5b-9 complex in human liver biopsies.
- To determine if C5b-9 deposition is associated with liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, or hepatic injury.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was used to detect C5b-9 components and neoantigens.
- Thirty human liver biopsies, including normal and diseased states (fibrosis/cirrhosis), were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Soluble C5b-9 (SC5b-9) was consistently found in normal liver capsule and portal tract connective tissue.
- Pathological connective tissue in fibrotic/cirrhotic livers showed variable SC5b-9, similarly distributed to normal tissue.
- No significant C5b-9 deposition was observed outside the portal tract and capsule, even in areas of necrosis or cellular infiltrates.
Conclusions:
- C5b-9 is a common component of liver connective tissue.
- The data do not support a role for C5b-9-mediated pathways in the pathogenesis of human liver injury, fibrosis, or cirrhosis.