ISSN:
1471-4159
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract: The interaction between complement and myelin membranes and its possible role in myelin damage and in the disposal of damaged myelin in vivo is of interest because activation of complement generates both opsonin(s) and membrane attack complex of complement. In our studies on the role of complement in demyelin-ation, we have shown that isolated myelin activates serum complement in the absence of myelin-specific antibody and that membrane attack complex of complement is the required factor in antibody-mediated demyelination of mouse cerebellar expiant cultures. In the present study, we examined whether activation of serum complement by myelin is associated with the formation of membrane attack complex of complement in myelin membranes. Extracts of myelin-associated proteins following incubation of myelin with fresh serum were studied by ultracentrifugation on a sucrose density gradient for detection of C5b-9 neoantigen. The subunit structure of C5b-9 was determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-poly-acrylamide gel electrophoresis, electroblotting, and immunostaining. Results indicate that the macromolecular complex consisting of late-acting complement components, C5-C9, was assembled in the target myelin membranes.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-4159.1984.tb12706.x
