Confirmation by radial immunodiffusion of depression of the fourth component of complement in guinea pigs fed aflatoxin or rubratoxin.

Guinea pigs were fed either aflatoxin or rubratoxin in concentrations known to reduce serum complement activity. Depression of complement activity was accompanied by a decrease in C4. The measurement of C4 by radial immunodiffusion indicated it to be a useful and simple procedure for testing the effect of hepatotoxic mycotoxins on a component of the complement system of guinea pigs.