Characterization of the third component of pig complement and its utilization in a C3b receptor study.

The third component of the pig complement system (C3) was isolated in hemolytically active form and characterized. The C3 component is a beta-globulin with the molecular weight of 191,000 and is composed of 2 non-identical polypeptide chains of Mr 112,000 and 74,000. The isolated C3 can be used for the detection of the C3b receptor on the membranes of heterologous peritoneal macrophages.