C3 proactivator (C3PA) as an acute phase reactant.

Abstract

C3PA levels were measured sequentially in four patients prior to and following general anaesthesia and surgery, and in twenty patients with active inflammatory diseases. Elevated levels (+70% and +60%, respectively) were observed in both patient groups, indicating that C3PA is a potent acute phase reactant. Peak levels were seen 4 days following surgery, 1–2 days after the peak of the C-reactive protein response. C3PA, along with C1s, were the complement proteins which of those tested showed the greatest elevation during the acute phase response. We conclude that the serum C3PA level should be interpreted with consideration of its role as an acute phase reactant.