The pathogenesis of Plasmodium falciparum-associated tissue lesions--what role for C3b receptors?

Human tissue sections from cerebral and cerebellar cortices, the liver, the stomach pylorus, the kidney and the placenta, were examined for the presence of C3b receptors. This was carried out in order to determine whether these receptors play any role in the pathological effects of malarial infections on these tissues. The sheep erythrocyte/rabbit antibody/complement system was used. C3b receptors were only detected in the kidney glomeruli, but not in the other tissues. It is suggested that during malarial infections complement may be indirectly involved in the pathogenesis of tissue damage in the organs examined by triggering the activation and participation of other body systems.