Complement profile in a C1 inhibitor deficient family.

Complement components and anaphylatoxins in a C1 inhibitor (C1INH) deficient family were studied. C4a was increased when C1INH was decreased, and C3a was increased in subjects with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-like symptoms and with angioedema attacks. Danazol was effective in controlling the clinical as well as complement abnormalities including low CH50, C1INH and C4, which increased within 10 days after danazol treatment was started. Two-dimensional immunoelectrophoresis of C1INH showed that there was no functionally or electrophoretically abnormal C1INH present before or after danazol treatment. C3a and C4a were considered to play important roles in the pathogenesis of angioedema and associated SLE-like symptoms.