The Interrelation of Corresponding Complement Components of Man and Guinea Pig. *

Summary and Conclusions

Under the proper conditions of concentration, all of the corresponding complement components of man and guinea-pig are mutually substitutive. This represents a revision of the view previously expressed³ that only certain substitutions are effective. Nevertheless, it is to be borne in mind that in those cases in which specifically inactivated complements of the two species are used together, the full effect of component substitution may be inhibited or concealed. Such an aberration may be due to (a) the increased concentration of anti-complementary substances in these fractions, particularly in the globulin concentrates, or (b) the disarrangement of the complement complex in the course of specific inactivation by the recommended procedures.

It is pertinent to report that the corresponding components of rabbit and human complements have also been found to be mutually substitutive⁸.