Stimulation of the titre of a sheep serum factor that is related to the sheep complement system

Authors: Pulford H, Jonas W, Stankiewicz M
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 30, Issue 6, pp 85-87, Jun 1982
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant, Sheep
Subject Terms: Circulatory system/haematology, Clinical pathology, Diagnostic procedures
Article class: Scientific Article

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Abstract: Serum from most sheep subjected to a single jugular bleeding, repeated bleeding or an intraperitoneal injection of yeast and repeated bleeding, showed an increase in the titre of a serum component called serum factor. Serum factor reached a peak titre 2 to 5 days after treatment started. For some sheep, the titre was elevated for a 9- to 12-day period whereas for others the titre dropped markedly on day 7 followed by a rise on day 9. Serum factor reacts with sheep erythrocytes sensitised with rabbit antibody (sheep E-rabbit A). Serum factor can be detected on sheep E-rabbit A using guinea-pig antiserum that reacts with sheep complement (C). Serum factor is inactivated by heating at 56°C for 30 minutes, but is only partially inactivated at 50°C for 30 minutes. The reaction of serum factor with sheep E-rabbit A is inhibited by chelators of Ca++ and/or Mg++. Serum factor appears to be related to the sheep C system. Preliminary results suggest it may he a component of the classical pathway of sheep C, possibly the second component, C2.

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