Activation of Complement in Anaphylactoid Reactions in Connection with Infusion of Dextran

Complement components were investigated in 12 patients who had developed anaphylactoid shock symptoms on preoperative infusion of dextran for prevention of postoperative thromboembolism. An activation of C3 proactivator to C3 activator and a conversion of C3 were found in 5 of the 12 patients. Quantitation of C3, C3 proactivator, and C3 did not discriminate between these patients and the controls No precipitating antibodies were detected, and no quantitative changes of the earlier reacting complement components. O1q and C4, were found.