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Depletion of Specific Cell Populations by Complement Depletion
Published on: February 5, 2010
Systemic complement system depletion does not inhibit cellular accumulation in antihistamine pretreated allergic
1Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Duluth 55812-2487, USA.
International Archives of Allergy and Immunology
|February 1, 1996
Summary
Depleting the systemic complement system with cobra venom factor (CVF) did not prevent asthma-related cellular infiltration in guinea pigs. Complement in local lung compartments, not systemic levels, may drive allergic lung inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Allergy and Asthma Research
- Complement System Biology
Background:
- Asthma is characterized by airway inflammation and cellular infiltration.
- The role of the complement system in mediating allergic airway inflammation is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether depleting the systemic complement system prevents cellular infiltration in a guinea pig model of asthma.
- To determine the impact of systemic complement depletion on eosinophil and neutrophil accumulation in the lungs.
Main Methods:
- Guinea pigs were sensitized to ovalbumin (OA) and pretreated with cobra venom factor (CVF) to deplete complement.
- Animals were challenged with OA aerosol, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was collected to assess cellular infiltration and protein levels.
- Eosinophil and neutrophil activity was measured using eosinophil peroxidase and myeloperoxidase assays.
Main Results:
- OA challenge induced cellular infiltration in the lungs and BAL.
- CVF treatment did not inhibit OA-induced cellular infiltration but enhanced eosinophil accumulation and protein leakage.
- CVF treatment drastically reduced serum and local complement activity, yet BAL C3 levels remained normal after OA challenge.
Conclusions:
- Systemic complement is not essential for cellular infiltration in this asthma model.
- Local complement activity in the lungs may play a crucial role in allergic inflammation.
- Complement system status (depletion or activation) might influence allergic reaction severity.
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