Complement C3a

**Definition:** The smaller fragment generated from the cleavage of complement C3 by C3 CONVERTASE. C3a, a 77-amino acid peptide, is a mediator of local inflammatory process. It induces smooth MUSCLE CONTRACTION, and HISTAMINE RELEASE from MAST CELLS and LEUKOCYTES. C3a is considered an anaphylatoxin along with COMPLEMENT C4A; COMPLEMENT C5A; and COMPLEMENT C5A, DES-ARGININE.

**Tree numbers:** - D12.776.124.486.274.024.250 - D12.776.124.486.274.250.250

**Synonyms:** - C3a Complement - Complement 3a - Complement Component 3a