Alternative complement pathway activity in nurse shark serum

The ability of nurse shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum ) serum (NSS) to lyse heterologous target erythrocytes via the alternative complement pathway (ACP) was examined in the presence of EGTA (which binds Ca super(++) and inhibits the classical pathway) with excess Mg super(++). When compared to the hem...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American zoologist 1991-01, Vol.31 (5), p.131A-131A
Main Authors: Culbreath, L, Smith, S L, Obenauf, S D
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Ginglymostoma cirratum
Marine
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Summary:The ability of nurse shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum ) serum (NSS) to lyse heterologous target erythrocytes via the alternative complement pathway (ACP) was examined in the presence of EGTA (which binds Ca super(++) and inhibits the classical pathway) with excess Mg super(++). When compared to the hemolytic activity of normal serum in absence of chelators, a drop in activity of chelated serum was observed; however, significant hemolytic activity remained in the presence of EGTA. Unsensitized rabbit and horse erythrocytes were used as activator and target cells at temperatures ranging from 0 degree C to 37 degree C. Hemolytic activity was also depleted when serum was activated with zymosan, LPS, inulin and CVF. Proteins antigenically related to mammalian C3 and factor B have been detected and identified in NSS by immunoblotting using polyclonal antisera to mammalian complement components. This continuing study provides evidence for the presence of the ACP in the nurse shark.
ISSN:0003-1569