176 DEVIATIONS OF COMPLEMENT 



They also imagine the possibility of the combination altering 

 the affinity of the cytophile group of the amboceptor for the cell. 

 It may diminish it, in which case fewer complemented molecules 



FIG. 42. FIRST POSSIBILITY. 



The affinity of the amboceptor for complement is unaltered, as a result of 

 the union of the former with a bacterium. 



of amboceptor would attack the bacterium than ever, and the 

 phenomenon of deviation of the complements would be even more 

 marked. The union might also (conceivably) increase this affinity ; 

 in this case the amboceptors which were complemented would 



FIG. 43. SECOND POSSIBILITY. 



The affinity of the amboceptor for complement is diminished, as a result of the 

 union of the former with a bacterium. 



seize on the bacterial receptors, to the exclusion of those which 

 were not, and the phenomenon of deviation of the complements 

 would not occur. This Neisser and Wechsberg think might occur 

 in the case of haemolysis, for in this process deviation has not 



FIG. 44. THIRD POSSIBILITY. 

 The affinity of the amboceptor for complement is increased. 



been demonstrated, and solution occurs even when there is a 

 great excess of amboceptor. In the case of haemolysis by snake 

 venom, however, Myers and Stephens showed that the process 

 might only take place when medium doses of venom were added, 



