Heat shock protein 72/73 in normal and diseased kidneys.

The induction of heat shock (stress) proteins (HSP) is a response by cells due to a variety of physical, chemical, and infectious agents. They have a significant role as cytoprotectants, in the regulation of cellular functions, and in the recovery after sublethal injury. Using antibody to mammalian HSP 72/73, we have performed as immunohistological study of human renal tissue in normal and diseased states, including idiopathic nephrotic syndrome, proliferative and crescentic glomerulonephritis, and interstitial nephritis.

Renal disease in Marfan syndrome.

We encountered 4 individuals with Marfan syndrome who presented with microhematuria and proteinuria. In 2 of them, a renal biopsy was performed. The predominant glomerular change by light microscopy was a focal segmental increase in mesangial matrix with early sclerotic lesions.

Renal failure due to tubular obstruction by large protein casts in patients with massive proteinuria.

We describe two patients with nephrotic syndrome whose histologic findings on renal biopsy and at autopsy are characterized by numerous large protein casts in dilated cortical tubules, as well as podocyte swelling with effacement of foot processes in the glomeruli. Both patients progressed rapidly to renal failure. The casts and the protein precipitate in the Bowman's capsule were found to be composed of varying proportions of albumin and globulin but contained no Tamm-Horsfall protein.

Alkaptonuria and renal failure: a case report and review of the literature.

In alkaptonuric ochronosis, the absence of homogentisic acid oxidase results in the accumulation of homogentisic acid in the body. Associated renal failure is rare and usually occurs in the later stages of the disease. We report a 19-yr-old girl who presented initially with severe renal failure, without family or past history of illness.

Significance of cytoplasmic inclusions in lupus nephritis.

The report describes 22 cases of lupus nephritis (20 diffuse and 2 mesangial) showing frequent tubuloreticular inclusions (TRI) in the glomerular and peritubular capillary endothelial cells as well as cylindric confronting cisternae (CCC) mainly in interstitial infiltrating cells. Ten other cases of lupus nephritis that were actively treated or were in the sclerosing stage and did not show CCC were also studied. The presence of cytoplasmic inclusions correlated with various clinical and histologic parameters.