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Published on: November 10, 2011
[Expression of C3d in normal human liver tissues with non-immunologic osmostic mechanism]
H J Huang1, C Y Feng, Z Y Zheng
1Department of Pathology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, China.
Insights
Complement C3d deposition is a normal physiological finding in human liver and spleen tissues after age three. This immune complex deposition is common and does not require treatment.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Histopathology
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Complement C3d is a key component of the complement system, involved in immune responses.
- Understanding its deposition in normal tissues is crucial for distinguishing physiological processes from pathological conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the deposition patterns of complement C3d in various human organs and tissues across different developmental stages.
- To determine the physiological significance of C3d deposition in normal tissues.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical methods were employed to detect C3d deposition in 60 normal human organ and tissue specimens.
- Double staining and immunoelectron microscopy were utilized for detailed analysis.
- Ninety-five additional cases served as a control group.
Main Results:
- C3d deposition was observed in the Glisson's capsule and periportal sheath of 50 out of 60 livers, forming a network-like structure.
- Expression of C3d increased in individuals over 20 years old compared to those aged 3-20; no expression was found under 3 years old.
- Deposition was also noted in 30 out of 40 spleens, including capsules, lymphatic sheath arteries, and follicles.
Conclusions:
- C3d deposition in the liver and spleen of individuals over 3 years old represents a normal osmotic/immunogenic process.
- This deposition is a normal physiological phenomenon and should not be treated as it signifies immune complex formation or reaction.
Abstract:
Objective: To observe the deposition of complement C3d at different development stages in human normal organs and tissues, and investigate the significance of its deposition. Methods: Using immunohistochemical methods, the deposition of C3d was detected at different development stages of 60 normal human organs and tissue specimens and double staining was performed in some specimens. Ninty-five cases of other organs or tissues were collected as control group. Results: In 50 of 60 livers, it was observed the deposition of C3d in Glisson's capsule and periportal sheath, with irregular linear network-like disposition surrounding the portal sheath. In different age groups, the expression of C3d was more beyond the 20 year-old group than 3 to 20 year-old group. There wasn't any expression of C3d under 3-year-old group. Under the immuning electron micrograph, C3d depositing at the Glisson's capsule was observed, without immuning compounding. Thirty in 40 spleens, deposition of C3d in capsules, arteries of lymphatic sheath, follicles in the spleen was observed. Conclusions: The deposition of C3d in Glisson's capsule, splenic trabeculae, fibrous sheath, endarterium of liver and spleen arterioles, within normal human tissues from patients elder than 3 years, are osmosis/immunogenic deposition. The deposition of C3d is a normal physiological phenomenon, and treatment of the deposition of C3d should be avoided, as it is an immune complex or immuning reaction phenomenon.
