The molecular interaction between complement and red cells has been analyzed in autologous human systems. Instead of anti-red cell antibody, polyethylene glycol was used as a non-specific sensitizer. It was found that as a result of complement-cell membrane interaction, certain complement components form a direct and firm link with membrane receptors. Polyethylene glycol mediates the action of complement on cells apparently through reversible aggregation of γ-globulin, Cell bound neuraminic acid seems to have a protective effect against the cytolytic action of complement. In the autologous system employed, significant uptake of complement and subsequent hemoly-sis occurred only after pre-treatment of the red cells with trypsin or neuraminidase.
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Dalmasso et al. (1964) studied this question.