Jonsson L, Larsson A, Thomander L
Department of Otolaryngology, Uppsala University, Akademiska Sjukhuset, Sweden.
ORL J Otorhinolaryngol Relat Spec. 1987;49(6):294-301. doi: 10.1159/000275955.
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.
