Complement activation by plasma separator membranes

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Abstract
Because of their structural similarity to dialysis membranes, 6 plasma separator membranes were evaluated for the ability to activate complement, as judged by immunoconversion of the complement C3 in crossed immunoelectrophoresis. A polysulfone and 2 cellulose acetate membranes were relatively strong alternative pathway activators. Polypropylene, poly[vinylidine fluoride] and polyvinylchloride derivative membranes were weak activators in some sera. Membrane activation was inhibited in citrate-anticoagulated but not in heparin-anticoagulated plasma. The results of such in vitro screening should be valuable in selecting materials and anticoagulation regimens for membrane plasma separators.