The polyclonal antibody reacts with Rat C3. The complement factor C3 consists of an alpha- and a beta-chain. C3 is a central factor in the complement cascade. It is central to the alternative pathway that leads to the C3 convertase C3bBb. The classical and mannose binding lectin activation pathways lead to the C3 convertase C4b2a. These convertases cleave C3 resulting in C3a and C3b. Further degradation leads to formation of the alpha-chain products C3d, C3g and C3c. C3 is an acute phase protein that is produced by a wide range of tissues including renal epithelial cells and hepatocytes.