Induction of matrix protein synthesis in human glomerular mesangial cells by the terminal complement complex

Exposure of human glomerular mesangial cells (GMC) in culture to sublytic doses of the terminal complement proteins C5b-8 and C5b-9 caused a transient increase in abundance of mRNA specific for collagen type IV and fibronectin; mRNA of laminin was not affected. Since C5b-9 is found deposited in inflamed or sclerotic areas we propose that stimulation of matrix protein synthesis by C5b-9 might contribute to the development of glomerular sclerosis.