Recent Study Shows Alterations Necessary For Activation of Certain Immune Responses.

Definitions: C3a, C4a and C5a (anaphylatoxins) activate the complement system and are able to trigger responses such as allergic reactions, activate mast cells and participate in adapative immune response. (Wipedia)

Past studies have revealed changes in WBC, inflammatory cytokines including Il-1b, Il-6, Il6R and a decrease in the anti-inflammatory Il-4. This study suggests that individuals with PTSD have lower activity of C3 which is part of the alternative immune pathway and important for killing pathogens. C3 and C4 are often measured to monitor autoimmune disease or rheumatoid arthritis. Other conditions include fungal infections, gram negative septicemia, etc. This author maintains that PTSD involves dysfunction in the complement system and altered chain of complement cascade. (Hovhannisyan)

CiteULike: Alterations in the complement cascade in post-traumatic stress disorder: "Hovhannisyan, L. P., Mkrtchyan, G. M., Sukiasian, S. H., and Boyajyan, A. S. (2010). Alterations in the complement cascade in post-traumatic stress disorder. Allergy, Ashtma & Clinical Immunology." http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/6715343
Complement C3. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved on February 22, 2010.
Alternative Complement Pathway. Wipedia. Retrieved on February 22, 2010.