Changes

<big><center>[[General Pathology - Immunology|'''BACK TO IMMUNOLOGY''']]</center></big>

<big><center>[[General Pathology - Immunology|'''BACK TO IMMUNOLOGY''']]</center></big>

==FIXATION OF COMPLEMENT==

==Complement Fixation==

Complement gets its name because it complements the function of antibody. Complement belongs to a group of plasma systems termed the triggered enzyme cascades, which also include the blood clotting system and the kinin cascade. They are all effector mechanisms that can produce a rapid and amplified response to a trigger stimulus. Such mechanisms have adaptive value if invoked in appropriate circumstances but may be harmful if triggered inappropriately. They are complex systems both in their reaction pathways and in their control mechanisms. There are more than 20 different proteins (most are enzymes or pro-enzymes) in the complement cascades. It pre-dates the immune system evolutionarily, and has evolved as one of the main innate protective mechanisms of invertebrates. Complement works largely by triggering acute inflammation and by promoting phagocytosis by macrophages and neutrophils.  

Complement gets its name because it complements the function of antibody. Complement belongs to a group of plasma systems termed the triggered enzyme cascades, which also include the blood clotting system and the kinin cascade. They are all effector mechanisms that can produce a rapid and amplified response to a trigger stimulus. Such mechanisms have adaptive value if invoked in appropriate circumstances but may be harmful if triggered inappropriately. They are complex systems both in their reaction pathways and in their control mechanisms. There are more than 20 different proteins (most are enzymes or pro-enzymes) in the complement cascades. It pre-dates the immune system evolutionarily, and has evolved as one of the main innate protective mechanisms of invertebrates. Complement works largely by triggering acute inflammation and by promoting phagocytosis by macrophages and neutrophils.