Steroids inhibit activation of the alternative-amplification pathway of complement

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Abstract
Methylprednisolone sodium succinate inhibits complement activation. Two other glucocorticosteroids [17.beta.-estradiol-3-sulfate, hydrocortisone-21-sodium phosphate] and 3 different soluble steroids [5-.beta.-cholanic acid-3.alpha.,7.alpha.-diol N-(carboxymethyl) amide sodium, prednisolone-21-phosphate, testosterone sulfate] which lacked glucocorticoid activity demonstrated the capacity to inhibit lysis of sheep erythrocytes by the alternative-amplification pathway. These compounds also inhibited fluid-phase consumption of [factor] B in a reaction mixture that contained purified C3b [complement component 3b], B and D, indicating that they exert a direct effect on the generation of alternative amplification pathway convertase. The capacity to inhibit convertase generation by glucocorticosteroids in high concentration is apparently independent of glucocorticoid activity.