Characterization of the Interaction of the Terminal Complement Complexes with a Model Membrane System: Comparison of the Channel Properties of C5-8 and C5-9 Lesions

Title of Thesis: Characterization of the Interaction of the Terminal Complement Complexes with a Model Membrane System: Comparison of the Channel Properties of CS-8 and CS-9 Lesions Rikki Solow, Doctor of Philosophy, 1987 Thesis directed by: Valerie w. Hu, Ph.D. Department of Biochemistry The interaction of CS-8 and CS-9 complexes with model membranes was investigated using large unilamellar vesicles (LUV's) prepared by reverse phase evaporation. In particular, CS-8 and CS-9 channel activity with regard to channel pore size, mode of marker release and dynamics of channel formation, was characterized. This was achieved by measuring the release of entrapped fluorescent dye 6-carboxyfluorescein (6CF), and/or radiolabeled markers, from complement-treated LUV's. CS-8and CS-9-induced permeability changes and the respective pore sizes of the complexes in LUV membranes were similar to those induced by complement in na~ural membranes, suggesting that the lesions formed on these model membranes by CS-8 and CS-9