The serum complement system: a simplified laboratory exercise to measure the activity of an important component of the immune system

Adv Physiol Educ. 2008 Dec;32(4):317-21. doi: 10.1152/advan.00061.2007.

Abstract

The immune system is a vital physiological component that affords animals protection from disease and is composed of innate and adaptive mechanisms that rely on cellular and dissolved components. The serum complement system is a series of dissolved proteins that protect against a variety of pathogens. The activity of complement in serum can be determined by its ability to lyse red blood cells in vitro. Here, we describe a modification of a standard complement hemolysis assay that makes an interesting and informative laboratory exercise suitable for a variety of courses including physiology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Complement System Proteins / metabolism*
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Erythrocytes / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immune System / metabolism*
  • Sheep

Substances

  • Complement System Proteins