Thin membrane nephropathy: a clinico-pathological study.

Thin membrane nephropathy is common, representing approximately 11% of non-transplant renal biopsies. A family history of renal disease is present in at least 40% of patients. Electron microscopy is essential for its diagnosis.

The structure of the normal human glomerular basement membrane. Ultrastructural localization of type IV collagen and laminin.

Structural models of the glomerular basement membrane (GBM) have been based solely on the localization of antigens in animal kidneys. These models depict a type IV collagen lattice as the structural skeleton along the central portion of the membrane, with the glycoprotein laminin attached predominantly in the laminae rarae where it is thought to be involved with endothelial and visceral epithelial cell attachment. The human GBM is also known to contain type IV collagen and laminin.

Quantitation of glomerular angiotensin II receptors in IgA nephropathy.

Mesangial cells have receptors for angiotensin II (AII) and contract in its presence. All is known also to increase the uptake of macromolecules by the mesangium. As a first step towards the investigation of a possible role for local disturbances of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in immune mediated mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis, glomerular All receptors have been quantitated retrospectively in biopsy tissue from 20 patients with IgA nephropathy for comparison with 16 biopsies that showed only minor abnormalities by light microscopy and negative immunofluorescence.

The effect of treatment with prednisolone or cyclophosphamide-warfarin-dipyridamole combination on the outcome of patients with membranous nephropathy.

Between 1973 and 1986, 109 patients with membranous nephropathy have been evaluated with respect to clinical presentation, pathological features and factors determining prognosis. Secondary disease was present in 21, and a further 21 were lost or followed for less than 12 months. The remaining 67 with idiopathic membranous nephropathy were allotted to one of three groups.

Therapeutic options in IgA nephropathy.

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is a common form of glomerulonephritis that leads to end-stage renal disease at variable rates in 20% to 30% of cases. A rational approach to therapy requires an understanding of pathogenetic mechanisms that are largely unknown. Several therapeutic approaches have been used, generally in uncontrolled trials, aimed at lowering levels of circulating immune complexes, affecting cellular immunity, or removing antigens through dietary restriction.