Modification of the complement induced by PGE2 and gonadotropins.

ABSTRACT

The Complement is one of the major effectors of the humoral aspecific immune system building up a defence mechanism of the organism. As it is known that some hormonal substances like gonadotropin (hCG) and some hormone-like substances (PGE2) influence the entire immunitary system, we wanted to see if they had specific action on the Complement. The measurement of CH50 was carried out using Mayer's method, derived by Ferrazzi and modified by us. Fractions C3 and C4 were measured by means of immunochemistry using Beckman nephelometer. The treatment with hCG (1,000 U + 10 Lf tetanus toxoid) caused an increase in the CH50 and in the fraction C3, while the fraction C4 was not modified. The treatment with PGE2 (0.25 microgram/rat/die) caused a higher increase of CH50 and C3 fraction. It seems possible to acknowledge C3 involvement in the variation of the Complement's haemolytic activity and this could confirm the intervention of the "alternative pathway". The notable increase in the activity of the Complement induced by hCG and PGE2 could indicate an alternative mechanism of activation of the aspecific humoral immunity in the defence of the organism in all those physio-pathological situations where these substances cause a state of depression of cellular mediated activity.