A Complement-Release Reaction; The Neutralization of the Anticomplementary Action of Sea-Urchin Fertilizin by Antifertilizin

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Abstract
Tested with pooled fresh guinea pig serum as a source of complement and sheep r.b.c.''s sensitized with rabbit antisheep cell serum as an indicator. Strongylocenlrotus purpuratus fertilizin is highly anticomplementary. With antifertilizin from the species sperm no complement-fixation was observed, but a new phenomenon, "Complement Release." In this, antifertilizin liberates the complement previously bound by the fertilizin or neutralizes its anti-complementary action. Only the 4th component (C[image]4) of complement is involved. Antifertilizin and C[image]4 are perhaps similar chemically.