Question

Intermediate size complexes?

1) become basophils
2) activate complement
3) are removed by phagocytosis
4) degranulate

Answer 1

Intermediate size complexes cannot be removed by phagocytosis, but instead cause localized cell damage through neutrophil degranulation. They do not become basophils or activate complement, but can lead to thrombi and ischemia. Hence the correct answer is option 3

Step-by-step explanation:

Intermediate size complexes cannot be phagocytosed by neutrophils and macrophages, so they cannot be removed by phagocytosis. Instead, neutrophils degranulate, releasing lysosomal enzymes that cause extracellular destruction of the immune complex. This results in localized cell damage. While intermediate size complexes do not become basophils or activate complement, they can cause the activation of coagulation pathways, leading to thrombi and ischemia.

Hence the correct answer is option 3