Evidence for restriction of the ability of complement to lyse homologous erythrocytes.

This research explored the possibility that a mechanism for the inhibition of C exists that is capable of restricting lysis of antibody-sensitized homologous E. The ability of C to lyse E from six species was compared by using a passive lysis system that employed E coated with B. abortus LPS and bovine antibodies specific for B. abortus. A system was developed that permitted comparisons of the hemolytic efficiencies of heterologous and homologous C target cell combinations. C from all of the species tested lysed heterologous E effectively, but homologous E were poorly lysed. Furthermore, a serum factor appeared to be involved with restriction of lysis of homologous E:LPS:Ab by heterologous C, and the restriction was specific for homologous E. Human E:LPS:Ab that were washed after incubation with CH were resistant to subsequent lysis by heterologous C. This restriction did not occur at 0 degrees C or in the absence of antibodies. Incubation of homologous C with EH:LPS:Ab resulted in consumption of C1, C2, C3, and C4, but not C5. The treated CH would lyse sheep EAC1423, but it would not lyse sheep EA, EACI, or EAC142. Late reacting C components (C5 through C9) were not detectable on EH:LPS:Ab after incubation with CH, but C4 and C3 were bound to the cells. Rat late-reacting C components (rat C-EDTA) were capable of detecting C3 convertase sites on EH:LPS:Ab that had been reacted with CH. However, homologous late-reacting components and guinea pig late-reacting components were unable to detect the C3 convertase sites.