Angiography and complement activation. Evidence for generation of C3a anaphylatoxin by intravascular contrast agents.

The potent anaphylatoxin C3a was measured in the peripheral blood of eleven patients receiving radiocontrast agents whilst undergoing coronary angiography. In seven patients C3a levels were raised during this procedure and in three of these the anaphylatoxin was increased between four and tenfold. In four patients C3a levels remained within the normal range. In vitro tests of five contrast agents revealed marked heterogeneity in their ability to generate C3a from serum.