Lytic Reactions

Lytic Reactions

Lytic Reactions

Complement activation mediates the lytic destruction of many kinds of cells, for example, R. B. C", gram negative bacteria, etc. When complement components attach to membranes, changes occur in membrane ultrastructure. These changes are brought about by the insertion of the activated terminal C components, C5 through C9, into the lipid bilayer of the membrane.

This produces a swelling of the membrane, followed by the production of circular lesions (holes), and eventually the cells undergo osmotic lysis. Both the classical and the properdin pathway produce cytolysis. Gram positive bacteria and Mycobacteria are not subjected to lysis by complement. The basis for their resistance is not properly understood, but may have something to do with the chemical composition of the cell walls.

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