Inhibition of complement mediated inflammatory response using monoclonal antibodies specific for a component forming the C56-9 complex which inhibit the platelet or endothelial cell activating function of the C56-9 complex

A method for inhibiting platelet or endothelial cell activation by complement proteins comprising:

• administering to platelets and/or endothelial cells in an amount effective to inhibit platelet or endothelial cell activation a pharmaceutically acceptable composition comprising a monoclonal antibody which specifically binds to a component forming the C5b-9 complex and which inhibits the platelet or endothelial cell activating function of the C5b-9 complex wherein the platelet or endothelial cell activating function of the C5b-9 complex is characterized by initiation of a transient and reversible depolarization of the plasma membrane potential, a rise in cytosolic calcium, metabolic conversion of arachidonate to thromboxane to prostacyclin and activation of intracellular protein kinases;
• wherein activation of platelets is additionally characterized by shape changes, secretory fusion of intracellular storage granules with plasma membranes and the vesiculation of membrane components from platelet surfaces;
• and wherein activation of endothelial cells is additionally characterized by secretion of high molecular weight multimers of the platelet adhesion protein, yon Willibrand Factor, and translocation of GMP140 to the endothelial cell surface,
• and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.