MODULATION OF COMPLEMENT ACTIVITY BY NOCARDIA LYSOZYME DIGEST (NLD)

This study presents data concerning the potent ability of Nocardia lyp ozyme digest (NLD) to provoke in vitro and in vivo changes in compleme nt activity. Species differences were noticed in NLD action on classic al pathway (CP) and alternative pathway (AP) activity when tested in v itro. The preparation enhanced cobra venom (CV)-induced and diminished zymosan (Zy)-induced AP activation in mouse serum (MS). The intraperi toneal (i.p.) administration of NLD to mice caused changes in serum AP and C3 functional activities after repeated treatment. This route of administration is related to local AP activation in the peritoneal flu id. The results suggest that some of the adjuvant properties of NLD mi ght be attributed to its ability to induce a moderate activation of co mplement after repeated i.p. application.