Alterations in human serum β1C-globulin (C′3) in renal transplantation

Fifteen recipients of renal transplants were studied serially to determine the effect of rejection on the complement system, as manifested by specific alterations in β1C-globulin (C′3) during rejection episodes, β1Cβ1A-globulin levels rose at the time of rejection to an average of 58 ± 18 per cent above the mean, declined below the mean six days after the maximal intensity of rejection, and fell to a minimum of 41 ± 16 per cent below the mean 22 ± 6 days after rejection began. An acute rise in β1C-globulin did not occur (1) in a patient who had an acute exacerbation of glomerulonephritis in his isogeneic graft, (2) as a result of surgery per se, (3) during acute bacterial infections in some of the patients, or (4) in patients with no rejection episode. Although the return of β1C-globulin to its previous level after rejection-related depression was associated with clinical improvement, stability of the level was the most important criterion of sustained control of rejection and thus it may be a useful guide in planning therapy.