Objective: To study the relationship between complement SC5b-9 complex and damage of vascular endothelial in pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH).
Methods: Plasma SC5b-9, Serum circulate immunocomplex (CIC), fibronectin (Fn) levels were determined with ELISA in 47 cases of PIH (study group 1) and 15 cases with potential risk factors of PIH (study group 2) and 40 cases of normal pregnancies (control group).
Results: SC5b-9 level increased and CIC level decreased significantly in study group 1 and study group 2 than that in control group (P < 0.01). The Fn level increased in moderate and severe PIH cases than that of mild PIH and control group (P < 0.01). The positive rates of SC5b-9 in study group 1 and study group 2 were significantly higher than those of the control group (P < 0.01). The positive rate of Fn in moderate and severe PIH cases significantly higher than those of mild PIH cases and control group (P < 0.01).
Conclusion: Complement was activated by classical pathway. Terminal SC5b-9 complement complex play an important roles in the pathogenesis of PIH and has close relationship with vascular endthelial damage.