Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cell Death by the Alternative Complement Cascade: Role of Membrane Regulatory Proteins, Calcium, PKC, and Oxidative Stress

Abstract

Activation of complement through the alternative pathway induces sublytic and lytic phases of complement attack on RPE cells, leading to cell death modulated by extracellular calcium, membrane complement regulatory proteins, and intracellular signaling mechanisms. Single-dose oxidant exposure and low-dose repetitive oxidant exposure rendered RPE cells more susceptible to complement-mediated death.