Complement (C5a) induced granulocyte aggregation in vitro. A possible mechanism of complement mediated leukostasis and leukopenia

Activated plasma complement will induce biphasic aggregation of human granulocytes detectable by standard nephelometric techniques. The responsible active component was suggested to be C5a by molecular weight and heat stability assays; moreover, aggregating activity was ablated by anti C5 but not anti C3 antibodies. C5a prepared by trypsinization of purified C5 reproduced the aggregating activity of whole activated plasma, whereas plasma from a C5 deficient donor did not support aggregation. Embolization of granulocyte aggregates might be a previously unsuspected cause of leukostasis and pulmonary damage in various clinical situations where intravascular complement activation occurs.