Immune complexes and complement components in Bell's palsy.

The serum levels of circulating immune complexes were studied in 63 patients and the complement system in 36 patients with Bell's palsy. The IgG-C1q and IgG-C3 containing immune complexes were analyzed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The levels were found to be significantly elevated in the acute and convalescent stages of the palsy compared with controls. The total complement activity as determined by a CH50 assay and complement component C3 titrations also showed elevated values. The levels of C2 were not altered. The results indicate in Bell's palsy an inflammatory process and an antigen-antibody response which may be triggered by a viral antigen.