ABSTRACT
Formation of anaphylatoxins may initiate pathophysiological events that lead to the development of adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or multisystem organ failure in patients with sepsis. Circulatory shock and ARDS development are complications often seen in association with sepsis. Studies in primates have demonstrated that Escherichia coli infusion leads to an extensive activation of the complement, with the release of high amounts of anaphylatoxins and C5b-9 terminal complement complexes and have shown that antibodies to C5a blocked organ failure. Such studies in species close to humans may increase the possibilities to improve therapy in patients with septic shock or ARDS. The biological effects of different complement proteins in vivo have been evaluated by the activation of complement in animals with C5-deficiencies or in animals prior to the injection of bacteria or endotoxin. Complement activation has been achieved by infusion of complement-activated blood or by intravenous infusion of a known complement activating factor such as zymosan or cobra-venom factor.
