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Treatment of 193 episodes of laryngeal edema with C1 inhibitor concentrate in patients with hereditary angioedema.

BACKGROUND: Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is an autosomal dominant disease (Mendelian Inheritance in Man 106100) caused by an inherited deficiency of C1 inhibitor (C1-INH) function. The clinical symptoms include skin swelling, abdominal pain, and life-threatening episodes of upper airway obstruction. We evaluated the efficacy of C1-INH concentrate for treating sudden airway compromise. METHODS: A series of 95 patients with HAE and a functional deficiency of C1-INH belonging to 59 families underwent screening for laryngeal edema. Double-blind treatment of randomized patients was not justifiable because of the life-threatening nature of this condition. Efficacy was evaluated by determining the interval from injection of C1-INH concentrate to the beginning of resolution of symptoms. The mean duration of episodes of laryngeal edema was compared in treated and untreated patients. Clinical information was obtained from emergency department physicians, the hospitals involved, reports of the general practitioners, and patients and their relatives. RESULTS: Forty-two patients had 517 episodes of laryngeal edema. Eighteen patients received 500- or 1000-U injections of C1-INH concentrate in 193 episodes. The C1-INH concentrate was effective in all laryngeal edemas. The interval from injection to interruption in progress of symptoms ranged from 10 minutes to 4 hours (mean +/- SD, 42.2 +/- 19.9 minutes). The mean +/- SD duration of laryngeal edema was 15.3 +/- 9.3 hours in patients who received C1-INH concentrate and 100.8 +/- 26.2 hours in those who did not. CONCLUSIONS: Injected C1-INH concentrate is highly and rapidly effective in the treatment of laryngeal edema of HAE. Relief and resolution of symptoms begins 30 to 60 minutes after injection, and duration of the upper airway obstruction is substantially reduced.

Adult↗

Acquired deficiency in C1-inhibitor associated with signet ring cell gastric adenocarcinoma: a probable connection of antitumor-associated antibodies, hemolytic anemia, and complement turnover.

BACKGROUND: Acquired deficiency in C1-inhibitor (C1-INH) associated with malignancy is often asymptomatic because clinical manifestations are not dependent on a critical complement threshold (in contrast to hereditary C1-INH deficiency). Increased complement consumption involving different kinds of antibodies is the postulated mechanism for this disease, but other factors must play an important role. CASE REPORT: A 76-year-old woman with unremarkable medical history experienced three episodes of angioedema over 6 months. Investigations revealed a complement profile characteristic of acquired deficiency in C1-INH, a hemolytic anemia, and a signet ring cell adenocarcinoma (linitis plastica). A gastrectomy and a splenectomy were performed. The postoperative course was characterized by a complete disappearance of the symptoms of angioedema and hemolytic anemia. A local recurrence of the tumor 5 months later could not be resected. The patient died 17 months after the initial surgery was performed. RESULTS: Quantitative and functional analyses of the complement factors showed persistent excessive complement consumption. Markers of hemolytic anemia disappeared after tumor removal but recurred in the second part of the disease evolution. Immunohistochemical findings in tumor tissue showed loss of normal blood group antigens but expression of Lea antigen, as well as C1q deposition. CONCLUSION: To explain the whole clinical and laboratory picture, we hypothesize a connection between tumor immunohistochemical profile, complement consumption, and hemolytic anemia. Tumor cell surface antigens might lead to a permanent but asymptomatic complement consumption that is worsened and becomes clinically manifest by superimposed hemolytic anemia caused by cross-reactive antibodies to newly expressed blood group antigens on tumor cells. This hypothesis should be confirmed by other observations.

Aged↗

Modulation of monocyte complement synthesis by lymphocytes and lymphocyte-conditioned media.

Culture supernatants from mitogen- and antigen-stimulated human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL), stimulated synthesis of the second complement component (C2) by human monocytes, but not as effectively as the stimulated PBL themselves, which adhered to the monocytes and caused marked spreading. In contrast to PBL, lymphocytes isolated from the synovial membranes (SML) of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and their culture supernatants were able to stimulate C2 synthesis without exposure to mitogens or antigens. Depletion of B and T populations showed that T cells were responsible for stimulation of C2 synthesis. Further studies of synthesis rates of C2, C3 factor B (B), C1 inhibitor, and properdin (P) were undertaken, and it was found that lymphocytes and their supernatants increased synthesis of C2, B and C1 inhibitor, and reduced synthesis of C3 and P. This profile of activity was identical to that produced by the addition of recombinant gamma-interferon (rIFN-gamma) to the cultures. Furthermore the addition of a monoclonal antibody to rIFN-gamma to cultures abrogated the effects of rIFN-gamma, and almost completely reversed the effects of lymphocytes and their supernatants. Thus it appears that gamma-interferon is the lymphocyte product which is responsible for the modulation of monocyte complement synthesis. The results of studies with synovial membrane lymphocytes raise the possibility that this process occurs in vivo. Monocyte C2 had a higher specific functional activity (SpFA) than serum C2 isolated from serum or C2 produced by HepG2 cells. Monocyte C2 formed a C3 convertase which had a longer half-life than that found with both serum C2 or HepG2 C2. Thus monocyte C2 behaves like oxidized C2. Monocytes exposed to rIFN-gamma, lymphocytes or lymphocyte-conditioned medium (LCM) produced C2 which had an even higher SpFA. Although antibody to IFN-gamma prevented any increase in C2 synthesis in monocyte cultures containing lymphocytes or LCM, C2 SpFA was still increased. Thus a second lymphocyte product is responsible for this 'oxidation' effect. This production of 'oxidized' C2 by monocytes and further 'oxidation' by the action of either lymphocytes or gamma-interferon might play a significant role in the perpetuation of complement activation at sites of inflammation.

Cells, Cultured↗

Autoimmune C1 inhibitor deficiency: report of eight patients.

PURPOSE: In this study, we investigated the clinical and biochemical features and the responses to treatment of eight patients with auto-antibody-mediated C1 inhibitor (C1-INH) deficiency and symptoms of angioedema. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In addition to the 8 patients with acquired angioedema (AAE), we also studied 36 subjects with hereditary angioedema (HAE), 15 of them treated with C1-INH plasma concentrate, and 26 patients with different autoantibodies in their plasma (10 with systemic lupus erythematosus, 6 with lupus-like anticoagulant, and 10 with chronic liver disease). Functional C1-INH was measured with the reagent kit of Immuno (Vienna, Austria); C1-INH, C4, and C1q antigen were determined by radial immunodiffusion; and autoantibodies to C1-INH were detected by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. RESULTS: Four patients with AAE had no other diseases, one had breast cancer, one liver hydatidosis, one Waldenström's disease, and one a benign M component. Functional C1-INH levels were below 30% of normal, and C1q plasma levels were low in seven patients but normal in one. Autoantibodies to C1-INH were detectable in all eight AAE patients but in none of the others. Prophylactic treatment with attenuated androgens was successful in one of four patients, and with antifibrinolytic agents (tranexamic acid) in six of seven patients. Laryngeal attacks in five patients were treated with C1-INH plasma concentrate; two patients had marked clinical and biochemical responses. In three, the symptoms resolved only with high doses, and the biochemical parameters did not significantly increase. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that patients with autoimmune AAE are clinically and biochemically heterogeneous. They have different responses to treatment that seem to be related to variable C1-INH consumption.

Aged↗

Analysis of coagulation proteins as acute-phase reactants in horses with colic.

OBJECTIVES: To measure coagulation factor VIII:coagulant (F.VIII:C) and C1-esterase inhibitor (C1-INH), hemostasis-associated acute-phase reactant proteins and coagulation factors VII (F.VII), IX (F.IX), and X (F.X), hemostasis proteins not associated with an acute-phase response, in a select population of horses with colic and hemostasis abnormalities, and presumed to have acute-phase changes. To compare these values and other routine hemostasis test results in the horses with colic with values for a population of healthy horses. To correlate the values of known equine acute-phase reactants, F.VIII:C and fibrinogen, to those of other tests of hemostasis. To identify hemostasis-associated acute-phase reactant proteins and gain insights into the effects the acute-phase response has on hemostatic abnormalities in horses with colic syndrome. SAMPLE POPULATION: 54 plasma samples from horses with colic attributable to inflammatory (n = 39) or strangulating (n = 15) intestinal disorders. PROCEDURE: Plasma samples were evaluated for activities of F.VII, F.VIII:C, F.IX, F.X, C1-INH, antithrombin III, protein C, plasminogen, and alpha 2-antiplasmin (alpha 2AP); fibrinogen concentration; and prothrombin (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin (APTT) times. RESULTS: Horses with colic had significantly higher fibrinogen concentration, greater alpha 2AP and protein C activities, and longer PT and APTT than did healthy horses. Horses with colic also had significantly lower mean F.VII activity than did healthy horses. Significant positive correlations between fibrinogen concentration and F.VIII:C, C1-INH, and alpha 2AP values, and between F.VIII:C activity and fibrinogen, C1-INH, alpha 2AP, and plasminogen values were identified. CONCLUSIONS: An acute-phase response contributes to changes observed in coagulation proteins in horses with colic attributable to inflammatory and strangulating intestinal disorders. The data suggest that plasminogen, alpha 2AP, and C1-INH, should be considered equine acute-phase proteins.

Acute-Phase Proteins↗

Leukocyte-derived complement inhibitor. IV. The functional properties of C1 bound to erythrocytes pretreated with leukocyte culture supernatant.

E, pretreated with leukocyte cultures supernatant (ES), binds C1 through C1q; ES and EIgM that bind the same amount of C1 as measured in a hemolytic assay have the same uptake of 125I-C1q; ESC1q and EIgMC1q, carrying the same number of molecules of CUq per cell, have the same uptake of CUr and CUs; soluble immune compleses prevent the binding of C1 and C1q to ES. The activity of C1 bound to ES is impaired; ESC1 can react with C4 but not with C2. The C4 turnover and the C1 ING turnover by ESC1 are reduced so that ES-bound C1 is protected from destruction by C1 ING. These modifications are fully reversed when C1 is transferred from ES to EA:C1 recovers its ability to react with C2, and C1 INH. Thus the C1s activity can be modulated inside the C1 molecular complex upon binding of C1q to a lymphocyte product. In addition, the 125I-C1q uptake is proportional to the amount of IgM hemolysin used to sensitize E; it has, however, an exponential relationship to the amount of IgG or S used to sensitize E. The ratio of 125I-C1q uptake towhole C1 uptake measured in a hemolytic assay is lowerthan 2. This indicates that one molecule of IgM is sufficient to bind one molecule of C1q on E, that several molecules of IgG or S are required to bind one molecule of C1q, and that one molecule of C1q is sufficient to create a lytic site on E.

Animals↗

Rapid fibrinolysis, augmented Hageman factor (factor XII) titers, and decreased C1 esterase inhibitor titers in women taking oral contraceptives.

The use of OCAs has been associated with multiple hemostatic abnormalities and an increased risk of thromboembolic disease. These changes have been attributed to increased synthesis of various clotting factors and decreased titers of antithrombin III. Paradoxically, enhanced in vitro fibrinolytic activity is also found in plasmas of women using OCAs. The present study demonstrates marked elevation of both procoagulant and antigenic HF titers in plasmas of women using OCAs, accompanied by a simultaneous decrease in plasma C-1-INH concentration. Titers of plasma prekallikrein, HMW kininogen, PTA, and alpha 2-Pl were unchanged. The rate of kaolin-assisted fibrinolysis was related directly to the titer of HF and inversely to C-1-INH concentration. Further, the addition of human HF to normal plasma enhanced fibrinolytic activity to a degree similar to that observed in plasmas of women taking OCAs. These data suggest that the increase in plasma HF concentration may participate in the phenomenon of enhanced in vitro fibrinolysis associated with OCA use, possibly augmented by diminished inhibitory control by C-1-INH. The relationship of these phenomena to the increased incidence of thrombosis is not known.

Adult↗

A case of hereditary angioneurotic edema associated with systemic lupus erythematosus.

A pedigree of C1 inhibitor (C1 INH) deficiency associated with positive LE cell and an elevated titer of DNA antibodies and antinuclear factor (ANF) and nephropathy was presented. The proband of this family was diagnosed as having definite systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) after a clinical course of several year since her first visit to our hospital and because of the lack of hemolytic activity of complement (CH50), in spite of the absence of idiopathic edema, C1 INH levels were 1.2 mg/dl (3.8% NHS) determined as antigen and 65 site forming unit (SFU) (5.8% NHS) determined by hemolytic assay in her blood. Her mother and brother had characteristic idiopathic edema of her face, larynx, hand and bowel and they had low levels of C1 INH of 1.8 mg/dl (5.8% NHS) and 4.8 mg/dl (15.5% NHS) respectively in their blood. On the basis of these findings, this family was diagnosed as having a pedigree of hereditary angioneurotic edema (HANE) which is supposedly an inherited autosomal positive trait. Actually, however, the proband's serological and hematological indices became positive and progressed year by year, which implies that SLE was absent for the first several years. It might be said that this interesting clinical course indicates that SLE appeared chronologically as a hereditary deficiency in one of the complement components in this case. In concurrence with the general observation that recurrent viral infections due to the deficiency of complement components are presumed to be responsible for SLE-like disease. Her levels of several kinds of anti-virus antibodies were high. Methylprednisolone helped normalize her level of C1 INH and ameliorate the clinical course.

Adult↗

Hereditary angioneurotic edema: clinical and laboratory findings in 58 subjects.

An in-depth analysis of clinical and laboratory findings in 58 patients affected by hereditary angioneurotic edema (HANE) is reported with special focus on problems related to the diagnosis of the disorder. The functional C1 inhibitor (C1INH) assay is the method of choice in the diagnosis of HANE, as it is capable of revealing the disorder with 100% accuracy. The immunochemical assay of C1INH detected HANE in 84.5% of the cases, i.e., immunochemical deficiency of C1INH (type I HANE). C4 was markedly reduced in both type I and type II HANE; thus, C4 levels can be particularly useful when C1INH functional tests are not available. CH50 testing is of little diagnostic value since total hemolytic complement activity is reduced in a variety of other congenital or acquired pathologies involving the complement system. The CH50 assay after incubation in low ionic strength buffer may be utilized in mass screening programs for qualitative evaluation. However, the test has the drawback of not being applicable in cases of frank hypocomplmentemia. While a depletion of the complement classical pathway was detected in most cases, no alteration in the complement alternative pathway was recorded, nor there was any reduction in immunoglobulin levels. Family history was positive in 100% of the cases. Attacks were almost always brought on by stress and/or trauma, though the causes were sometimes unknown. Edema could be cutaneous (non-pitting and non-pruritic) in 94.2%, laryngeal (often life-threatening) in 48% and abdominal (almost always painful) in 88.4% of patients. Associated pathologies were found in 2 patients, i.e., lupus rash and C3NeF-positive chronic membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, respectively.

Adolescent↗

Apotransferrin, C1-esterase inhibitor, and alpha 1-acid glycoprotein for cerebral protection during experimental hypothermic circulatory arrest.

BACKGROUND: Because of current limitations in improving metabolic support to the brain during hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA), attenuation of ischemia-reperfusion injury remains an area of therapeutic intervention of relevance. Apotransferrin (Apo-Tf), alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), and C1-esterase inhibitor (C1-INH) have been herein evaluated as potential beneficial agents in reducing the ischemia-reperfusion injury in a surviving model of HCA. METHODS: Apo-Tf 100 mg/kg (n = 6), C1-INH 50 IU/kg (n = 6), AGP 100 mg/kg (n = 6), or NaCl 0.9% 2 ml/kg (n = 6) were randomly administered to 24 juvenile pigs after a 75-min period HCA at a brain temperature of 18 degrees C. RESULTS: Animals in the Apo-Tf group had a slightly better 7-day survival (66.7%) compared with the other study groups (50%), but such a difference was not statistically significant. Some favorable changes in the brain glucose metabolism parameters were observed in the AGP, C1-INH, and Apo-Tf groups, but these did not reach statistical significance. Semiquantitative analysis of the histopathological findings did not show any significant difference between the study groups. However, only two out of four surviving animals in the Apo-Tf group developed brain infarction, whereas all three survivors of the remaining study groups developed brain infarction. CONCLUSIONS: Although the small size of the study groups may affect the present findings, none of the metabolic and hemodynamic parameters as well as outcome endpoints indicate a substantial therapeutic efficacy of Apo-Tf, AGP, and C1-INH as neuroprotective agents after experimental HCA.

Animal Experimentation↗

Headache and complement C'1-esterase inhibitor deficiency in Vietnamese immigrants living in southern California.

The objective was to measure complement C'1-esterase inhibitor (C1INH) in a group of Vietnamese outpatients with headache. All 51 patients (7 males and 44 females), with either migraine or chronic tension-type headache, were evaluated during 1994 and 1995. Their ages ranged from 15 to 69 years old (mean age, 37.5 years). They were found to have low levels of C1INH (mean, 11 +/- 2 mg/dL versus control subjects, 15 +/- 2 mg/dL with p < 0.0001). Twenty patients (5 males and 15 females) were treated with a low dose of danazol, 200 mg daily for 1-2 months. The improvement of the headache coincided with the return to normal levels of C1INH in all of our patients (pretreatment, 11 +/- 2 mg/dL versus post-treatment, 16 +/- 2 mg/dL with p < 0.001). The levels of C1q and C4d/C4 ratios did not change as a result of treatment with danazol. Our patients may represent a form of androgen-responsive headache, which is associated with low levels of C1INH, normal levels of C1q and normal C4d/C4. It differentiated them from angioedema (hereditary or acquired form); they had no known precipitating factors or a family history of angioedema.

Adolescent↗

A direct role for C1 inhibitor in regulation of leukocyte adhesion.

Plasma C1 inhibitor (C1INH) is a natural inhibitor of complement and contact system proteases. Heterozygosity for C1INH deficiency results in hereditary angioedema, which is mediated by bradykinin. Treatment with plasma C1INH is effective not only in patients with hereditary angioedema, but also in a variety of other disease models, in which such therapy is accompanied by diminished neutrophil infiltration. The underlying mechanism has been explained primarily as a result of the inhibition of the complement and contact systems. We have shown that C1INH expresses the sialyl-Lewis(x) tetrasaccharide on its N-linked glycan, via which it binds to E- and P-selectins and interferes with leukocyte-endothelial adhesion in vitro. Here we show that both native C1INH and reactive center cleaved C1INH significantly inhibit selectin-mediated leukocyte adhesion in several in vitro and in vivo models, whereas N-deglycosylated C1INH loses such activities. The data support the hypothesis that C1INH plays a direct role in leukocyte-endothelial cell adhesion, that the activity is mediated by carbohydrate, and that it is independent of protease inhibitory activity. Direct involvement of C1INH in modulation of selectin-mediated cell adhesion may be an important mechanism in the physiologic suppression of inflammation, and may partially explain its utility in therapy of inflammatory diseases.

Animals↗

Proteolytic inactivation of plasma C1- inhibitor in sepsis.

Activation of both the complement system and the contact system of intrinsic coagulation is implicated in the pathophysiology of sepsis. Because C1 inhibitor (C1-Inh) regulates the activation of both cascade systems, we studied the characteristics of plasma C1-Inh in 48 patients with severe sepsis on admission to the Intensive Care Unit at the Free University of Amsterdam. The ratio between the level of functional and antigenic C1-Inh (functional index) was significantly reduced in the patients with sepsis compared with healthy volunteers (P = 0.004). The assessment of modified (cleaved), inactive C1-Inh (iC1-Inh), and complexed forms of C1-Inh (nonfunctional C1-Inh species) revealed that the reduced functional index was mainly due to the presence of iC1-Inh. On SDS-PAGE, iC1-Inh species migrated with a lower apparent molecular weight (Mr 98,000, 91,000, and 86,000) than native C1-Inh (Mr 110,000). Elevated iC1-Inh levels (greater than or equal to 0.13 microM) were found in 81% of all patients, sometimes up to 1.6 microM. Levels of iC1-Inh on admission appeared to be of prognostic value: iC1-Inh was higher in 27 patients who died than in 21 patients who survived (P = 0.003). The mortality in 15 patients with iC1-Inh levels up to 0.2 microM was 27%, but in 12 patients with plasma iC1-Inh exceeding 0.44 microM, the mortality was 83%. The overall mortality in the patients with sepsis was 56%. We propose that the cleavage of C1-Inh in patients with sepsis reflects processes that play a major role in the development of fatal complications during sepsis.

Complement C1 Inactivator Proteins↗

C1-esterase inhibitor and its effects on endotoxin-induced leukocyte adherence and plasma extravasation in postcapillary venules.

BACKGROUND: C1-esterase inhibitor (C1-INH) has been shown to have beneficial effects in patients with sepsis. However, the microcirculatory effects of C1-INH during sepsis are unknown. This study investigated the influence of C1-INH on leukocyte-endothelial cell adhesion, vascular leakage, and venular microhemodynamics in postcapillary venules of rat mesentery during endotoxemia. METHODS: Thirty-two anesthetized Wistar rats randomly received 1 of 4 treatments: pretreatment with infusion of C1-INH in a concentration of 7.5 U.kg-1 body weight (C1-INH-7.5 group, n = 8) or in a concentration of 15 U.kg-1 body weight (C1-INH-15 group, n = 8) followed by continuous infusion of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The LPS group (n = 8) was pretreated with saline solution 30 minutes before LPS infusion. The control group (n = 8) received equivalent amounts of saline infusion. Leukocyte adherence, red blood cell velocity, and vessel diameters in postcapillary venules of rat mesentery were determined every 60 minutes during a period of 120 minutes using in vivo videomicroscopy. Vascular permeability was determined by measuring the extravasation of fluorescence-labeled albumin. Venular wall shear rate was calculated from mean red blood cell velocity and vessel diameter. RESULTS: LPS infusion induced a decrease in venular wall shear rate and an increase in leukocyte adherence and vascular permeability in postcapillary venules of rat mesentery. All microcirculatory disturbances were attenuated by pretreatment with C1-INH, showing no significant difference between the 2 concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Pretreatment with C1-INH attenuates endotoxin-induced leukocyte adherence and macromolecular leakage in postcapillary venules of rat mesentery, indicating that complement inhibition might be a therapeutic tool in the treatment of sepsis.

Animals↗

Relative contribution of contact and complement activation to inflammatory reactions in arthritic joints.

Although both the complement and contact system are thought to contribute to the inflammatory reaction in arthritic joints, only activation of complement has so far been well established, whereas contact activation and its contribution to arthritis has not been systematically explored. Complement and contact activation were assessed in 71 patients with inflammatory arthropathies and 11 with osteoarthritis using sensitive assays for C3a, and C1-inhibitor (C1INH)-kallikrein and C1INH-factor XIIa complexes respectively. Increased plasma concentrations of kallikrein-and factor XIIa-C1INH complexes were found in two and seven of the 71 patients with inflammatory arthropathies, respectively, and in none of the patients with osteoarthritis. Increased synovial fluid concentrations of kallikrein and factor XIIa complexes occurred in 13 and 15 patients with inflammatory joint diseases respectively, and in two patients with osteoarthritis. Contact system parameters did not correlate with clinical symptoms, local activity, or neutrophil activation. In contrast, synovial fluid concentrations of C3a and C1INH-C1 complexes were increased in all patients and in 20 patients with inflammatory arthropathies respectively, and were higher in patients with a higher local activity score. Synovial fluid C3a correlated with parameters of neutrophil activation such as lactoferrin. Increased plasma concentrations of C3a and C1INH-C1 complexes occurred in 13 and 11 patients with inflammatory joint diseases, and in one and two patients with osteoarthritis respectively. Plasma concentrations of C3a correlated with the number of painful joints. Thus contact activation occurs only sporadically in patients with arthritis and contributes little if anything to the local inflammatory reaction and neutrophil activation. These latter events are significantly related to the extent of complement activation.

Adolescent↗

[Non-ionic iodinated dimeric versus monomeric X-ray contrast media: effects on complement factors in vivo].

PURPOSE: To survey contrast media (CM)-induced alterations of complement factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 31 adult patients, who received either an iotrolan (n = 19) or iopromide (n = 12) i. v. injection for CT examination, complement factors C1 q, C3, C4, C5 a, and C1-esterase inhibitor in serum/plasma samples were analyzed. The samples were obtained prior to and 5 min., 30 min., 1 hr., 6 hrs. and 24 hrs. after CM injection. RESULTS: 5 patients (16.1 %) developed a CM reaction. 4 of these were patients who received iotrolan. Other than minimal data, we neither found a significant influence of the CM on complement activation nor a difference between the analyzed CM. In detail, 5 min. after CM administration, we found the tendency to be for the values to decrease and then to return to the basic value. The changes induced by iotrolan were more pronounced than those induced by iopromide; nevertheless the differences were not statistically significant. A more pronounced decrease of C3 and C4 after iotrolan injection indicates the activation of the classic way, while this could not been observed after iopromide injection. One patient who experienced an unwanted reaction towards iotrolan showed shifts of C1 q, C1 INH, C3 and C4. CONCLUSION: The presented data shows different influences of CM injection on the analyzed complement factors after 5 min. that were commonly no longer present 30 min. after CM injection. The dimeric iotrolan induced a significantly increased frequency of unwanted CM reactions than the monomeric iopromide. The question of whether iotrolan is possibly able to activate the classic way of the complement cascade should be analyzed in the future in a greater patient group.

Adult↗

Biosynthesis of complement C1 inhibitor by Hep G2 cells. Reactivity of different glycosylated forms of the inhibitor with C1s.

The biosynthesis of C1 Inh (C1 inhibitor) was studied in a human hepatoma cell line (Hep G2) by metabolic labelling, immunoprecipitation with anti-(C1 Inh) serum, analysis on SDS/polyacrylamide gel slabs and fluorography. Two forms of C1 Inh are secreted by Hep G2: a minor form of Mr 90,000 and a major form of Mr approximately 100,000. The latter form is also found in small amounts intracellularly in co-existence with an 80,000-Mr form. Accumulation of the 80,000-Mr C1 Inh is favoured when the cells are labelled at 23 degrees C instead of 37 degrees C or when they are treated with monensin. In the presence of tunicamycin, a compound that blocks the formation of N-asparagine-linked oligosaccharide chains, a decrease in Mr of both secreted and intracellular major forms is observed, indicating that secreted and intracellular C1 Inh contain N-linked oligosaccharide units. The 100,000 Mr secreted C1 Inh is sensitive to endoglycosidase F but resistant to endoglycosidase H, and it incorporates [3H]galactose, [3H]glucosamine and [3H]galactosamine, indicating the presence of both N-linked oligosaccharides of the complex type and O-linked oligosaccharides. The intracellular C1 Inh contains N-linked oligosaccharide units of the high-mannose type as demonstrated by endoglycosidase H-sensitivity. The functional activity of C1 Inh during its biosynthesis was tested by studying its reactivity towards C1s. Both secreted and intracellular C1 Inh form covalent-like complexes with purified plasma C1s. The underglycosylated C1 Inh secreted in presence of tunicamycin is still reactive with purified C1s. These results clearly show that sugars are not essential for this inhibitory activity of C1 Inh.

Acetylglucosaminidase↗

Recombinations between Alu repeat sequences that result in partial deletions within the C1 inhibitor gene.

Genomic DNA sequence analysis was used to define the extent of deletions within the C1 inhibitor gene in two families with type I hereditary angioneurotic edema. Southern blot analysis initially indicated the presence of the partial deletions. One deletion was approximately 2 kb and included exon VII, whereas the other was approximately 8.5 kb and included exons IV-VI. Genomic libraries from an affected member of each family were constructed and clones containing the deletions were analyzed. Sequence analysis of the deletion joints of the mutants and corresponding regions of the normal gene in the two families demonstrated that both deletion joints resulted from recombination of two Alu repetitive DNA elements. Alu repeat sequences from introns VI and VII combined to make a novel Alu in family A, and Alu sequences in introns III and VI were spliced to make a new Alu in family B. The splice sites in the Alu sequences of both mutants were located in the left arm of the Alu element, and both recombination joints overlapped one of the RNA polymerase III promoter sequences. Because the involved Alu sequences, in both instances, were oriented in the same direction, unequal crossingover is the most likely mechanism to account for these mutations.

Angioedema↗