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Anaphylatoxin Activity

The process which protects the body against invading cells can also produce undesirable effects, collectively called allergy or hypersensitivity. One particular extreme effect is anaphylaxis. Complement is also involved in anaphylaxis. Two complement-derived peptides, C3a (anaphylatoxin I) and C5a (anaphylatoxin II) are found to induce the release of histamine from some cells.

The biologic function of anaphylatoxins in vivo is to induce vascular perme ability and vascular statis. This increases the flow of serum proteins,including antibodies, into surrounding tissues. This in turn establishes the chemotactic gradients necessary for recruitment of phagocytic cells.