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Questions and Answers
What is one biological consequence of complement activation that enhances phagocytosis?
What is one biological consequence of complement activation that enhances phagocytosis?
Which complement component is primarily responsible for chemotaxis and attracting neutrophils?
Which complement component is primarily responsible for chemotaxis and attracting neutrophils?
What effect does the complement system have on antibody production?
What effect does the complement system have on antibody production?
Which condition is NOT associated with disorders of the complement system?
Which condition is NOT associated with disorders of the complement system?
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What is the primary effect of the Membrane Attack Complex (MAC) in complement activation?
What is the primary effect of the Membrane Attack Complex (MAC) in complement activation?
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Study Notes
Biological Consequences of Complement Activation
- Opsonization: C3b and C1q enhance phagocytosis by marking pathogens for destruction by immune cells.
- Chemotaxis: C5a and the C5,6,7 complex attract neutrophils to the site of infection.
- C5a: Enhances the adhesiveness of neutrophils to the endothelium, allowing them to migrate to the infected area.
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Lysis (Membrane Attack Complex - MAC): Creates pores in the membrane of pathogens, disrupting their integrity.
- May have a limited effect on gram-positive organisms due to their thick cell wall.
- Enhancement of Antibody Production: C3b binding to its receptor on B cells enhances antibody production, increasing the immune response.
- Clearance of Immune Complexes: The complement system helps remove immune complexes from circulation, depositing them in the liver and spleen for processing.
Disorders of the Complement System
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Autoimmune Diseases:
- Lupus erythematosus: Characterized by inflammation and tissue damage in affected organs due to dysregulation of the complement system.
- Hereditary Angioedema: Caused by a deficiency in C1 inhibitor, resulting in increased capillary permeability and edema in various organs.
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Other Conditions:
- Asthma
- Schizophrenia
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Multiple Sclerosis: A condition affecting the brain and spinal cord, potentially causing neurological dysfunction.
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Description
This quiz explores the various biological roles of the complement system, including opsonization, chemotaxis, and the mechanism of lysis through the Membrane Attack Complex. Additionally, it covers the role of complement in enhancing antibody production and the clearance of immune complexes. Understand the implications of these processes in autoimmune diseases like lupus erythematosus.
