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. 1983 Jun;42(3):285–291. doi: 10.1136/ard.42.3.285

Activation of the alternative pathway of complement by monosodium urate monohydrate crystals and other inflammatory particles.

M Doherty, J T Whicher, P A Dieppe
PMCID: PMC1001133  PMID: 6407405

Abstract

Activation of serum C3 by monosodium urate monohydrate (MSU) crystals and other particles was determined by immunofixation following electrophoretic separation of C3 and its activation products. Densitometry allowed quantitation of results. MSU, hydroxyapatite, brushite, and calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals split C3 under conditions which demonstrate activation via the alternative pathway (AP). Quantitatively similar results were obtained in immunoglobulin deficient serum. Activation was crystal specific and was reduced by heating, grinding, sonication, and aging of crystals. Other inflammatory particles (e.g., blackthorn) activated C3 via the AP: noninflammatory particles (e.g., diamond) caused insignificant activation. It is suggested that particle-induced activation of the alternative pathway of complement may be important in the initiation of crystal-induced synovitis.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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