Complement in acute inflammation

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of a fraction rich in oncocalyxone A isolated from Auxemma oncocalyx

In the present work we studied the antinociceptive and antiedematogenic effects of a quinone fraction (QF) isolated from the heartwood of Auxemma oncocalyx Taub. The major constituent of QF, which represented around 80% of this fraction, was a terpenoid quinone named oncocalyxone A (1). Results show that QF (10 and 30 mg/kg body wt., i.p.) significantly inhibited paw edema induced by carrageenan at the second, third, and fourth hours. The effect was dose-dependent and long lasting, and QF was less effective orally. An antiedematogenic effect was also demonstrated in the dextran-induced paw edema. In this model, however, QF was somewhat less potent. QF (1 and 5 mg/kg body wt., i.p.) inhibited acetic acid-induced abdominal contractions in mice in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, QF (5 and 10 mg/kg body wt., i.p.) inhibited only the second phase (inflammatory) in the formalin test, and showed no effect in the hot-plate test in mice. The antinociceptive activity of QF was predominantly peripheral and independent of the opioid system. The observed effects of QF are, at least in part, probably due to the presence of oncocalyxone A (1).

Presence and interpretation of vascular immune deposits in human skin: the value of direct immunofluorescence

Direct immunofluorescence investigation of the skin is an easy and valuable technique to establish the diagnosis immune complex vasculitis. Vascular immune deposits can be found in 60-80% of all cases. Absence of vascular immune deposits, however, does not exclude vasculitis per se, since the dynamics of the vasculitic process limit their presence in time. Knowledge of these dynamics is indispensable for both the clinician and the interpreter. Several practical options are discussed that may increase sensitivity. The specificity of vascular immune deposits has become a complex matter. Different immunoglobulin classes have different specificity, indicating that specificity also depends on the relative incidence of individual immunoglobulin classes. Some of these relative incidences seem to have changed over the years. Furthermore, several non-vasculitic diseases and conditions have now been described, that may show fluorescent pictures similar to vasculitis and thus decrease specificity.

Pharmacological investigation of acute cellular accumulation in immunological air pouch inflammation

Immunologically-mediated cellular accumulation was measured 24 hours after antigenic challenge using a rat subcutaneous air pouch model. This response was inhibited by treatment with prednisolone, colchicine, anti-thymocyte serum and systemic antigen. In contrast, administration of a range of other pharmacological and clinically active agents had little effect. The profile of inhibitory activity suggested that this response was mainly due to delayed type hypersensitivity with little anaphylactic or Arthus-type component.

Kinetics of the generation and action of chemical mediators in zymosan-induced inflammation of the rabbit peritoneal cavity

Acute inflammation was induced by intraperitoneal injection of zymosan (yeast cell walls) in the rabbit. Peritoneal inflammation was monitored by the local accumulation of intravenously-injected Evans blue dye (which binds to plasma albumin) and of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs). The zymosan-induced exudate fluid contained a microvascular permeability-increasing factor or factors which, unlike histamine and bradykinin, had a long duration of action when tested in rabbit skin and was dependent on circulating PMNLs. Using radioimmunoassay, high levels of rabbit C5a, or C5a des Arg, were detected in the exudate fluid and accounted for much of the permeability-increasing activity, as judged by skin bioassay after separation on Sephadex G-100. The vasodilator prostaglandin, prostaglandin I2 (PGI2), was generated in the inflammatory reaction, as judged by the presence of high levels of 6-oxo-PGF1 alpha detected in the exudate by radioimmunoassay. However, in contrast to observations in rabbit skin, inhibition of prostaglandin generation had a relatively small effect on peritoneal oedema formation. C5a and C5a des Arg increase microvascular permeability by a PMNL-dependent mechanism in the rabbit. However, in response to zymosan, protein leakage was detected considerably earlier than PMNL accumulation. A hypothesis to account for this difference is proposed.

Experimentally induced complement and immunoglobulin deposition along the basement membrane zone (BMZ) and in dermal blood vessels

Clinically normal forearm skin of ten subjects was abraded and biopsied at 24 h and at 5 and 10 day intergvals. Biopsy specimens were processed for routine histology and direct immunofluorescence. All ten subjects showed deposition of complement either in the blood vessels and/or along the basement membrane zone 24 h after injury. IgM deposition was found along the BMZ in two patients and in the blood vessels of the papillary dermis in one patient. This immunofluorescence staining was considered a non-specific reaction pattern to injury.

Effects of sera and exudate from carrageenan-treated rats on two models of acute inflammation

The air bleb has been studied as a cavity suitable for the production of a chronic inflammatory response. The ability of carrageenan and CPPD crystals to produce a chronic response in this cavity has been studied and the nature of the reaction described quantitatively and qualitatively. Carrageenan produced a fluid exudation predominated by mononuclear cells and histologically chronic in nature. However, CPPD failed to produce an inflammatory response apart from the formation of a few foreign body giant cells. Using the model described, experiments were undertaken to examine the ability of exudates and sera taken from animals undergoing either an acute or chronic reaction to modify two models of acute inflammation. Firstly the carrageenan complement dependent pleurisy and secondly the CPPD complement independent pleurisy. Volume of chronic and acute total cell numbers were reduced by chronic and acute exudates and sera on the carrageenan pleural model. No significant effect was on the CPPD pleural model.

Comparison of subcutaneous and intraperitoneal staphylococcal infections in normal and complement-deficient mice

From a comparison of the effects produced by injecting different strains of Staphylococcus aureus either subcutaneously or intraperitoneally into normal, complement-deficient, or complement-depleted mice, it was possible to assess the pathogenic significance of various staphylococcal virulence factors and the defensive role of complement components in the two sites of infection. In skin lesions the inflammation-suppressing factor found in the cell walls of strain PS80 played a major role. In contrast, in intraperitoneal infection the antiphagocytic capsule of the Smith diffuse and M strains was more important. All strains used produced alpha-hemolysin, which is the ultimate lethal agent in intraperitoneal infection but is only one factor in the production of dermonecrosis. The severity of the skin lesions was inversely related to the amount of early fluid exudate rather than to the rate of bacterial growth, whereas in the peritoneum increased bacterial growth was associated with increased mortality. Both C3 and C5 were needed in the production of fluid exudate in response to staphylococcal skin infection. C3 appeared to be more important in the increased exudate formed in immune mice. In the peritoneum the opsonic and chemotactic actions for complement were important as shown by the results in cobra venom-treated normal mice and in C5-deficient B10D2 old-line mice.

Increased vascular permeability evoked by mechanical trauma and haemarthrosis in synovium of the rat

Increased vascular permeability was studied in the synovium of the rat's stifle joint following mechanical trauma and haemarthrosis. The abnormal permeability was detected by injecting colloidal carbon intravenously and examining the synovial vessels for intra-mural deposits of carbon. The effects of rotational and stretch injuries were minimal except when accompanied by intra-synovial haemorrhage. Injection of autologous whole blood into the joint evoked a marked venular permeability response which persisted for 24 hours. These findings indicate that the major factor in the formation of traumatic joint effusions is haemorrhage into the articular cavity or the adjacent tissues.

Comparison of the effect of various antisera and cobra venom factor on inflammatory reactions in guinea-pig skin. I. Non-specific inflammation due to the intradermal injection of turpentine

Guinea-pigs were treated with agents which lowered the serum complement levels and the effect on the inflammatory reaction to intradermal turpentine was studied. A comparison was made between two antisera to beta1C/beta1A globulin which had been prepared in different ways. One was made using C3 fixed to zymosan particles as the antigen, and the other using chemically extracted beta 1C/beta1A globulin. The antisera to beta1C/beta1A globulin (zymosan) was found to have the greater anti-inflammatory activity. The effect of each on the parameters of complement studied, and on the circulating platelet count, was much the same. An antiserum to serum factors fixed to zymosan during C3 activication was prepared free of anti-beta1C/beta1A globulin antibodies. This was found to have some of the anti-inflammatory activity of the anti-beta1C/beta1A globulin (zymosan), as well as lowering total complement levels. Anti-gamma globulin andheterologous immune complexes also lowered serum complement levels and were antiinflammatory. However, all the above agents were also found to reduce the number of circulating platelets. This was in contrast to CVF which reduced complement levels by 90 per cent. but had no effect on platelet numbers. CVF also reduced the inflammatory response but was no more effective than the other agents. In view of these findings a role for the participation of the complement system, possibly involving the alternate pathway of activation of C3, is discussed as well as the participation of platelets in the reaction.

Complement factors in gingival crevice material from healthy and inflamed gingiva in humans

The presence and levels of complement factors C3, C4, C5, and C3 proactivator, were determined by electroimmuno assay in gingival cervice material from five individuals with healthy gingiva and from six patients with chronically inflamed gingiva. Higher concentrations of C3 and C4 were found in samples from chronically inflamed gingiva when compared to those healthy gingiva. The amount of C3 in material from healthy as well as from inflamed gingiva was related to that in plasma, when the albumin in plasma and gingival crevice material was used as a reference. The same was found for C4 in samples from healthy gingiva but in those from inflamed gingiva, the values were significantly lower when related to plasma levels. C5 could not be found in material from healthy gingiva but was present in material from inflamed gingiva. C3 proactivator was present in material from inflamed gingiva in the converted form. No C3 proactivator was found in material from healthy gingiva with the methods used. Analysis of C3 in samples from inflamed gingiva, using crossed immunoelectrophoresis, showed that C3 was converted in these samples. The results indicate that the complement system may be activated in gingival crevice material from inflamed gingiva.

The possible occurrence of endogenous anti-inflammatory substances in the blood of injured rats

1 Using the carrageenin rat paw oedema test as an assay, an attempt has been made to confirm the presence of anti-inflammatory activity in the blood of rats with a chronic inflammatory lesion induced by a polyester sponge, and to relate such activity to the systemic anti-inflammatory effect exerted in situ by the lesion. In addition, plasma from rats given acetic acid intraperitoneally has been examined for anti-inflammatory properties. 2 The activity of serum obtained from sponge-bearing adrenalectomized Wistar rats did not differ significantly from that obtained from animals without implants. Furthermore, implanted sponges exerted no systemic anti-inflammatory effect. 3 Similar experiments were performed in sponge-bearing adrenalectomized Sprague-Dawley rats, plasma instead of serum being examined for anti-inflammatory activity. The plasma removed from such animals possessed no anti-inflammatory activity, whilst implanted sponges exerted a small, yet significant, systemic inhibitory effect. 4 When the irritancy of sponge implants was augmented with croton oil, more marked systemic anti-inflammatory effects were observed. However, the plasma obtained from rats injured in this manner exerted no anti-inflammatory effect. 5 No anti-inflammatory activity could be detected in plasma samples obtained from rats treated with doses of acetic acid capable of producing pronounced systemic anti-inflammatory effects. 6 It was concluded that the induction of these inflammatory lesions in rats does not appear to lead to a detectable release of endogenous anti-inflammatory substances into the circulation.

The neutrophilic leukocyte in wound repair a study with antineutrophil serum

The role of the neutrophilic leukocyte in wound healing was investigated by observing the progress of repair in the absence of these cells. Circulating neutrophils were eliminated in guinea pigs by the administration of antineutrophil serum (ANS) 24 hr before wounding and by daily injections throughout a 10 day period of healing. Control animals received normal rabbit serum at the same dose levels and times. The wounds consisted of six linear incisions in the dorsal skin of the animals.The contents of 24-hr neutropenic and control wounds were compared by quantitating the major cellular and extracellular wound components using a histometric technique. At 24 hr, there were no differences between control and neutropenic wounds in the per cent of total wound volume occupied by mononuclear leukocytes and fibrin. The neutropenic wounds had no neutrophils, had a significantly decreased volume of fluid space, and an increased volume of red cells, as compared with controls. The differences in numbers of erythrocytes and amount of fluid space in these two sets of wounds may be related to substances within neutrophils that promote lysis of erythrocytes or affect vascular permeability. In spite of the lack of neutrophils in the ANS-treated animals during the 10 days of healing, no differences were observed between the control and neutropenic wounds relative to the rate of wound debridement or the extent of repair. The wounds from the two groups of animals were identical in cellularity and degree of connective tissue formation. These observations support the notion that neither wound debridement nor the formation of granulation tissue are dependent upon the presence of neutrophils. A neutrophil response in early wounds is not an essential antecedent to the infiltration of monocytes, as suggested by previous investigations.

In vivo effects of cellulose sulphate on plasma kininogen, complement and inflammation

1. The in vivo action of cellulose sulphate was studied in an attempt to clarify the role of complement and kinin formation in inflammation.2. Inflammatory oedema was produced in the rat paw by heat (45.5 degrees C), and on the ear by xylene. The oedema was assessed by comparing the ratio of fresh wet weight to dry weight of corresponding injured and non-injured parts.3. Following cellulose sulphate (6.5 mg/kg i.v.), plasma kininogen concentrations were promptly reduced by 90% or more. The reduction in complement titres was statistically significant and ranged from 17 to 65%. No toxic effects were observed. The oedema caused by heat or xylene was not reduced in these rats.4. Cellulose sulphate (80 mg/kg i.p.) given over 3 days depleted plasma kininogen by about 90%, but reduced complement titres only slightly. These rats gained less weight and their condition was poor. Blood clotting was impaired and widespread haemorrhages were found. Heat and xylene produced significantly less oedema than in control rats. This diminished response is attributed to toxic side effects of cellulose sulphate, rather than depleted plasma kininogen and reduced plasma complement.5. The results suggest that the inflammatory reactions to thermal and chemical injury can fully develop when plasma kininogen and complement are lowered.

Mediators of the inflammation induced in the rat paw by carrageenin

1. The time course of oedema formation in rats caused by injection of carrageenin into the paw was followed for 5.5 hours. Intact or adrenalectomized rats which had previously been injected with ellagic acid or saliva to reduce considerably the concentration of blood kininogens, or with methysergide to antagonize 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) showed a reduced inflammatory response. It was concluded that kinins and 5-HT contributed significantly to oedema formation during this period.2. Mepyramine alone had no effect on oedema formation, but in combination with ellagic acid treatment, with or without methysergide, it caused a reduction suggesting that histamine played a minor role in oedema formation during the first 3 hours.3. Vascular permeability studies indicated that injection of ellagic acid did not interfere with the normal responses in skin to intradermal injections of histamine, 5-HT, bradykinin or compound 48/80. Mepyramine and methysergide, at the doses used in the carrageenin experiments, completely antagonized histamine and 5-HT, respectively, and did not affect the skin responses of bradykinin.4. Treatment in vivo with ellagic acid or rat saliva was equally effective in reducing plasma kininogen concentrations by an amount equivalent to more than 10 times the quantity of substrate 1 measured by Gautvik & Rugstad (1967).5. Rat saliva, but not ellagic acid, lowered complement levels by approximately 20%.

Complement and complement-like activity in lower vertebrates and invertebrates

A purified cobra venom factor with C-inhibiting activity also promotes lysis of erythrocytes in fresh mammalian serum. Lysis-inducing activity of purified cobra venom factor was found in sera of lower vertebrates including the cyclostome hagfish and in invertebrates. Lysis-inducing activity was most effective with frog serum. Frog serum was found to be more hemolytic for E(s) in the presence of CVF than when cells were sensitized with hemolysin. The hemolysis induced by CVF with frog serum, as in the higher vertebrates, was inhibited when sera were pretreated with known C inhibitors including heat, chelators, endotoxin, immune complexes, and CVF itself. Complexes formed with CVF and either frog serum or invertebrate hemolymph promoted lysis of indicator cells in the presence of frog serum in EDTA. This lysis was most marked when the starfish-CVF complex was used and was C-dependent. Conversely, complex formed with frog serum and CVF promoted lysis of E in the presence of invertebrate hemolymph (Limulus) in EDTA. Hence, serum components were to some degree at least interchangeable between vertebrate sera and invertebrate hemolymph. Lysis-inducing activity of purified CVF occurs in a wide range of species, has revealed activities resembling those of terminal C-components in lower vertebrates and invertebrates, and provides one means for study of C and C-like activities in primitive species.

Effect of cellulose sulphate on serum complement

Cellulose sulphate 50-600 mug/ml reduces complement titres in human serum. This effect is, in contrast to the clot-promoting and plasma kinin forming action of cellulose sulphate, not mediated by clotting factor XII.

Comparison of the effects of two cytotoxic drugs and of antilymphocytic serum on immune and non-immune inflammation in experimental animals

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Some pharmacodynamic properties of carrageenin in the rat

1. Carrageenin oedema is suppressed by pre-treating the rats with cellulose sulphate, a kininogen depleting agent. This inhibition is closely related to the dose of cellulose sulphate and to the time course of kininogen depletion.2. Oedema induced by egg white or by dextran, in which the mediators are histamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine, is quite unaffected by cellulose sulphate treatment.3. Carrageenin injected intravenously lowers the arterial blood pressure of rats. This hypotensive effect is unaffected by histamine antagonists and is abolished by protease inhibitors and thus seems to be due to kinin release from plasma substrates.4. Like cellulose sulphate, carrageenin enhances the esterolytic activity of the blood from treated rats when incubated with benzoyl-arginine ethyl ester.5. The ability of carrageenin to activate the kinin-forming system could account for both its inflammatory and hypotensive effects.