Heymann antibodies induce complement-dependent injury of rat glomerular visceral epithelial cells

The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro role of the complement membrane attack complex (MAC) in the injury induced by nephritogenic anti-brush border vesicle (Fx1A) antibodies on rat glomerular visceral epithelial cells (GEC). Both sheep and rabbit anti-rat brush border vesicle IgG-induced complement-dependent lysis of cultured GEC. Fab fragments of sheep anti-rat brush border vesicles and polyclonal or monoclonal gp330 IgG were devoid of lytic activity. Shedding of cell-surface antigens induced by sheep or rabbit anti-rat brush border vesicle IgG protected GEC from subsequent exposure to lytic antibodies and complement, an effect that was not obtained with Fab fragments. When GEC were incubated with sheep or rabbit anti-rat brush border vesicle IgG in capping conditions, the C3 component was co-redistributed with Heymann immune complexes; in contrast, the MAC remained diffusely bound to the cell surface, indicating that it was not associated with the antigen-antibody complexes. The MAC was demonstrated on the surface of GEC by immunofluorescence staining with anti-MAC neoantigen and by electron microscopy of negatively stained membranes showing focal clusters of 110 A MAC lesions. When GEC were treated with sheep IgG or rabbit IgG plus C6-deficient sera, the cells were not lysed and MAC was not demonstrable on the surface; however, lytic activity was restored when C6-deficient sera were reconstituted with purified C6. The results are consistent with the interpretation that injury induced by Heymann antibodies on GEC is MAC-dependent.     

Expression and modulation of surface antigens in cultured rat glomerular visceral epithelial cells

This study, using immunocytochemical light and electron microscopy techniques, characterizes the distribution of three antibodies bound to the surface of rat glomerular visceral epithelial cells (GEC) in culture, and tests their ability to redistribute corresponding antigens under conditions appropriate for antigenic modulation (antigen disappearance). At 4 degrees C or after fixation, anti-renal tubular brush border vesicle (BBV) IgG bound diffusely to the surface of GEC and to coated pits. Anti-gp330 IgG had a discrete distribution on the surface of GEC and reacted with coated pits. Anti-podocalyxin IgG was bound diffusely to the surface of GEC but not to coated pits. At 37 degrees C, anti-BBV IgG induced marked redistribution of immune complexes with both shedding and internalization. Anti-gp330 IgG induced weaker redistribution, with internalization of immune complexes predominating. Anti-podocalyxin IgG induced rapid redistribution of immune complexes and antigenic modulation but minimal internalization. Experiments of differential redistribution indicated that anti-BBV IgG modulated the expression of both gp330 and podocalyxin; anti-gp330 IgG had a weaker effect on BBV antigens and podocalyxin; and anti-podocalyxin failed to redistribute BBV antigens or gp330. The relevance of these immunocytochemical studies of antibody-cell surface antigen interaction in cultured GEC to understanding the pathogenesis of Heymann glomerulonephritis (HG) is discussed.     

Passive Heymann nephritis induced by rabbit antiserum to membrane antigens isolated from rat visceral yolk-sac microvilli

Passive Heymann nephritis (PHN) is an animal model of immune-complex-induced renal disease resembling human membranous glomerulonephritis. It was induced in rats by injecting rabbit antiserum directed against glycoprotein antigens isolated from rat embryonic visceral yolk-sac microvilli (VYS-MV). The glycoprotein antigens were isolated by extracting the VYS-MV with detergent Nonidet P-40 followed by gel filtration in Sephacryl S-300 and finally by lectin affinity chromatography with Ricinus communis agglutinin I. In vitro immunofluorescent localization studies demonstrated that the nephritogenic antibodies were localized along the apical region of the visceral yolk-sac endodermal cells and the brush border of the proximal tubular cells of the kidney. Rats injected with a single dose of the antiserum manifested proteinuria. Indirect immunofluorescent studies showed that the injected rabbit IgG was localized in vivo along the capillary walls of the glomerulus in a granular fashion. Electron microscopic examination of the same kidney glomeruli revealed numerous electron-dense deposits along the lamina rara externa of the glomerular basement membrane. Fusion of the epithelial foot processes was also present. These findings represent the typical immunopathological characteristics of Heymann nephritis. Furthermore, with the aid of Ouchterlony analysis, the antiserum against the isolated VYS antigens exhibited an immunoprecipitin band which was in common with that formed by the antiserum against the homogeneous nephritogenic antigen (gp330) of renal brush border origin. Thus, the nephritogenic antigens which have been found to be associated with the brush border of the renal proximal tubules may also be present or cross-reacted in the microvilli of the rat embryonic visceral yolk-sac.     

Preservation of fixed anionic sites in the GBM in the acute proteinuric phase of cationic antigen mediated in-situ immune complex glomerulonephritis in the rat

Cationic antigens have been observed to bind with the negatively charged glomerular basement membrane (GBM). Using the cationic reagent polyethyleneimine (PEI), the distribution of glomerular anionic sites was evaluated ultrastructurally in the early stage (2 h-day 7) of cationic antigen mediated in-situ immune complex formation type glomerulonephritis (GN) in the rat. Renal perfusion via the renal artery with 100 micrograms of cationized human IgG(pI greater than 9.5), followed by the i.v. injection of specific antibodies, led to an initial increase in urinary albumin excretion, subsequent massive globulinuria and the formation of numerous subepithelial deposits on day 7. The most striking alteration in glomerular anionic sites was observed on the epithelial cell surface coat; the PEI deposition on the epithelial cell surface was almost identical to that in control glomeruli at 2 and 4 h after the induction of GN; thereafter, on day 7, a broad loss of anionic sites was observed on flattened epithelial foot processes. In contrast, fixed anionic sites of the laminae rarae of the GBM showed no apparent alterations in the distribution and number from 2 h to day 7 and did not disappear even in the lamina rara externa adjacent to subepithelial deposits. These findings not only show that fixed anionic sites of the GBM, in contrast to the rapid decrease in those of the epithelial cell surface, are not completely neutralized or destroyed even in GN, in which cationic antigen participates in the in-situ formation of GBM-deposits.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Ultrastructural studies in passive in situ immune complex glomerulonephritis. A rat model for membranous glomerulonephritis

Morphologic studies were performed in a passive model of in situ immune complex glomerulonephritis in rats. The formation and fate of subepithelial immune complexes as well as the role of glomerular polyanion in the induction of disease were examined. Unilateral in situ immune complex glomerulonephritis was induced in rats by perfusion of cationised horse spleen ferritin (pI greater than 9.5) (400 micrograms/rat) into the left kidney followed by systemic injection of 0.2 ml (= 400 micrograms precipitating antibody) of sheep anti-ferritin antiserum 2 h later. This schedule induced glomerulonephritis with proteinuria (mean maximum 100 mg/24 h between the 5th and the 12th day). Rats were sacrificed at intervals between 1 h and 42 days after induction of glomerulonephritis, samples of renal tissue were examined by light, immunofluorescence and electron microscopy (including staining of anionic sites by polyethyleneimine). The lesion induced closely resembled that of membranous glomerulonephritis in man as massive subepithelial deposits were seen with very little cellular infiltration or proliferation. The antigen (ferritin) deposits were initially located subepithelially; from 2 weeks onwards intramembranous deposits in the thickened basement membrane were present, the apparent translocation being due to excessive newly synthesised basement membrane material which encloses the deposits. A loss of anionic sites in the lamina rara interna, lamina rara externa and on the epithelial cell surface coat preceded the development of proteinuria.     

Isolation and characterization of circulating immune complexes from rats with experimental membranous nephropathy

Circulating immune complexes (CIC) were isolated from serum from controls and rats with active Heymann nephritis (n = 31) by two methods. CIC detected by the fluid phase Clq binding assay were precipitated from serum using Clq and polyethylene glycol. CIC were also isolated by sequential chromatography with anion exchange and lectin affinity supports. The isolated material was analyzed by PAGE and immunoblotting. The immune complex material isolated by both methods from rats with Heymann nephritis contained the same 60/65-kDa tubular Ag. By immunoblotting, the 60/65-kDa tubular Ag-bound antibodies from rats with active Heymann nephritis, but not antibodies to gp330. Antibody bound to the 60/65-kDa tubular protein in the CIC was isolated. This antibody bound to a similar Ag in glomerular eluates from rats with active Heymann nephritis when tested by immunoblotting. These observations suggest that glomerular immune deposits and CIC in rats with Heymann nephritis contain the same tubular Ag. The 60/65-kDa Ag was isolated from CIC by HPLC using anion exchange and hydrophobic interaction columns. Rats immunized with this Ag developed Heymann nephritis. These studies suggest that CIC contribute to the development of glomerular subepithelial immune deposits in this model of membranous nephropathy. These studies do not exclude the participation of other Ag-antibody systems in Heymann nephritis, including gp330. This report describes methods for isolation and characterization of Ag-antibody components of CIC that might be useful to studies of other immune complex-mediated diseases.     

Metalloprotease meprin beta in rat kidney: glomerular localization and differential expression in glomerulonephritis

Meprin (EC 3.4.24.18) is an oligomeric metalloendopeptidase found in microvillar membranes of kidney proximal tubular epithelial cells. Here, we present the first report on the expression of meprin beta in rat glomerular epithelial cells and suggest a potential involvement in experimental glomerular disease. We detected meprin beta in glomeruli of immunostained rat kidney sections on the protein level and by quantitative RT-PCR of laser-capture microdissected glomeruli on the mRNA level. Using immuno-gold staining we identified the membrane of podocyte foot processes as the main site of meprin beta expression. The glomerular meprin beta expression pattern was altered in anti-Thy 1.1 and passive Heymann nephritis (PHN). In addition, the meprin beta staining pattern in the latter was reminiscent of immunostaining with the sheep anti-Fx1A antiserum, commonly used in PHN induction. Using Western blot and immunoprecipitation assays we demonstrated that meprin beta is recognized by Fx1A antiserum and may therefore represent an auto-antigen in PHN. In anti-Thy 1.1 glomerulonephritis we observed a striking redistribution of meprin beta in tubular epithelial cells from the apical to the basolateral side and the cytosol. This might point to an involvement of meprin beta in this form of glomerulonephritis.     

Characterization of antigens and antibody specificities involved in Heymann nephritis

The present study was conducted to determine if Fx1A, a renal cortical extract used to induce Heymann nephritis, contains nephritogenic antigens in addition to the brush border-derived glycoprotein gp 330. Of 26 Lewis rats immunized with Fx1A, 24 developed abnormal proteinuria (greater than 20 mg/24 hr) by wk 10, whereas of 15 rats immunized with a partially purified gp 330 preparation (MVH), only one developed proteinuria. Immunofluorescence studies showed that all Fx1A rats developed large, diffuse, granular deposits along the glomerular basement membrane which stained brightly for IgG and C3; only 11 of the 15 MVH rats had definite deposits; in most rats, they were small and stained only moderately for IgG and faintly or not at all for C3. The Fx1A and MVH rats developed comparable levels of antibodies to MVH (gp 330) before the onset of proteinuria in Fx1A rats, after which serum IgG and antibody levels declined. In contrast, antibodies against soluble Fx1A antigens appeared earlier and rose more rapidly in Fx1A than in MVH rats. Larger amounts of IgG could be eluted from the glomeruli of Fx1A rats than from MVH rats. Eluates from the Fx1A rats contained antibodies that reacted with gp 330 and also a 95 kd antigen; the latter reactivity was not demonstrated in eluates of MVH rats. Immunoprecipitation studies showed that both gp 330 and the 95 kd antigen are components of normal glomeruli. The results show that immunization with Fx1A produces a more severe form of Heymann nephritis than does gp 330, and that Fx1A contains at least one nephritogenic antigen in addition to gp 330.     

The role of circulating antigen in the formation of immune deposits in experimental membranous nephropathy

To investigate the role of circulating antigen in the formation of subepithelial immune deposits in the Heymann rat model of membranous nephropathy, the renal uptake and site of renal deposition of intravenously injected renal tubular antigen (F X 1A) was studied. F X 1A, (15, 30, 60, and 600 micrograms) radiolabeled with 125I, and bovine serum albumin (BSA; 15 micrograms) labeled with 131I were intravenously injected into naive rats. Plasma clearance and organ uptake of brush border antigens were determined. Of the injected F X 1A, 75% was cleared from the circulation by 1 hr as compared to 10% of the BSA. Uptake of F X 1A by heart, lung, and spleen was less than 1% at all doses studied. Renal uptake of F X 1A (29.8 micrograms/g tissue) was greater than that for liver (4.75 micrograms/g), spleen, heart, and lung (each less than 1 microgram/g tissue). Evaluation of washed renal homogenate and isolated glomeruli confirmed specific tissue-associated F X 1A antigen. Direct immunofluorescence demonstrated deposits of F X 1A antigen along the glomerular capillary wall in animals injected with F X 1A. Small scattered electron dense deposits were demonstrated in the subepithelial space. Similar binding could be reproduced in vitro by incubating cryostat sections of normal rat kidney or isolated glomeruli with solubilized F X 1A antigens. Direct binding of a tubular antigen to a constituent of the glomerulus could initiate in situ immune complex formation, and may explain the variably demonstrable "cross-reactivity" of the Heymann antibody with the glomerular capillary wall.     

Alteration of glomerular anionic sites by the development of subepithelial deposits in experimental glomerulonephritis in the rat

Using highly cationic polyethleneimine, alteration of glomerular anionic sites were evaluated ultrastructurally in two types of rat glomerulonephritis (GN); chronic serum sickness GN and heterologous (passive) or autologous (active) Heymann's GN. Daily i.v. injections of egg white lysozyme in physiologic saline into presensitized rats led to the formation of numerous mesangial and subepithelial deposits. In the non-proteinuric period in which immune deposits were localized predominantly in the mesangium, anionic sites of the laminae rarae and the epithelial cell coat were clearly observed. In the subsequent proteinuric period in which numerous subepithelial deposits were superimposed, a broad loss of anionic sites in the epithelial cell coat was seen. Splitting and focal loss of anionic sites on the lamina rara externa adjacent to the subepithelial deposits were commonly observed both in passive and active Heymann's GN and in lysozyme GN. These findings indicate that the subepithelial deposits are closely involved in the development of proteinuria by injuring the anionic sites, especially those on lamina rare externa of the glomerular basement membrane.     

Metalloprotease Meprinβ in Rat Kidney: Glomerular Localization and Differential Expression in Glomerulonephritis

Meprin (EC 3.4.24.18) is an oligomeric metalloendopeptidase found in microvillar membranes of kidney proximal tubular epithelial cells. Here, we present the first report on the expression of meprinβ in rat glomerular epithelial cells and suggest a potential involvement in experimental glomerular disease. We detected meprinβ in glomeruli of immunostained rat kidney sections on the protein level and by quantitative RT-PCR of laser-capture microdissected glomeruli on the mRNA level. Using immuno-gold staining we identified the membrane of podocyte foot processes as the main site of meprinβ expression. The glomerular meprinβ expression pattern was altered in anti-Thy 1.1 and passive Heymann nephritis (PHN). In addition, the meprinβ staining pattern in the latter was reminiscent of immunostaining with the sheep anti-Fx1A antiserum, commonly used in PHN induction. Using Western blot and immunoprecipitation assays we demonstrated that meprinβ is recognized by Fx1A antiserum and may therefore represent an auto-antigen in PHN. In anti-Thy 1.1 glomerulonephritis we observed a striking redistribution of meprinβ in tubular epithelial cells from the apical to the basolateral side and the cytosol. This might point to an involvement of meprinβ in this form of glomerulonephritis.     

Nephrotic syndrome and subepithelial deposits in a mouse model of immune-mediated anti-podocyte glomerulonephritis

Subepithelial immune complex deposition in glomerular disease causes local inflammation and proteinuria by podocyte disruption. A rat model of membranous nephropathy, the passive Heymann nephritis, suggests that Abs against specific podocyte Ags cause subepithelial deposit formation and podocyte foot process disruption. In this study, we present a mouse model in which a polyclonal sheep anti-mouse podocyte Ab caused subepithelial immune complex formation. Mice developed a nephrotic syndrome with severe edema, proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and elevated cholesterol and triglycerides. Development of proteinuria was biphasic: an initial protein loss was followed by a second massive increase of protein loss beginning at approximately day 10. By histology, podocytes were swollen. Electron microscopy revealed 60-80% podocyte foot process effacement and subepithelial deposits, but no disruption of the glomerular basement membrane. Nephrin and synaptopodin staining was severely disrupted, and podocyte number was reduced in anti-podocyte serum-treated mice, indicating severe podocyte damage. Immunohistochemistry detected the injected anti-podocyte Ab exclusively along the glomerular filtration barrier. Immunoelectron microscopy localized the Ab to podocyte foot processes and the glomerular basement membrane. Similarly, immunohistochemistry localized mouse IgG to the subepithelial space. The third complement component (C3) was detected in a linear staining pattern along the glomerular basement membrane and in the mesangial hinge region. However, C3-deficient mice were not protected from podocyte damage, indicating a complement-independent mechanism. Twenty proteins were identified as possible Ags to the sheep anti-podocyte serum by mass spectrometry. Together, these data establish a reproducible model of immune-mediated podocyte injury in mice with subepithelial immune complex formation.     

An immunopathologic study of a 330-kD protein defined by monoclonal antibodies and reactive with anti-RTE alpha 5 antibodies and kidney eluates from active Heymann nephritis

There is evidence indicating that the glomerular Ig deposits of Heymann's nephritis (HN)--a model of epimembranous glomerulonephritis--may be formed at least in part in situ by binding of free circulating antibody with brush border (BB) antigen expressed by glomerular epithelial cells. In this work, we provide evidence that a 330-kD protein defined by seven monoclonal antibodies is responsible for HN. 1) Ig eluted from glomeruli of rats with HN induced classically with crude BB preparation bind specifically the 330-kD antigen; 2) passive immunization with monoclonal antibodies induces epimembranous glomerular Ig deposits; 3) active immunization with the 330-kD antigen induces proteinuric glomerulonephritis; 4) the 330-kD antigen was present in the nephritogenic preparation purified by Edgington, Glassock, and Dixon, because it was identified by the corresponding heterologous antisera. These results, obtained by a completely different approach, confirm and extend those of Kerjaschki and Farquhar and provide a link with the classical studies on HN.     

Analysis of the Heymann nephritogenic glycoprotein in rat, mouse, and human kidney

Passive Heymann nephritis is induced in rats by intravenous administration of antiserum raised against antigens of the renal proximal tubule. Evidence by Kerjaschki and Farquhar indicates that the critical nephritogenic is a high molecular weight glycoprotein (HMWgp) of rat renal brush border membrane. Their immunocytochemical studies also localize the nephritogenic antigen to the glomerular epithelial cell surface and may explain in situ formation of immune complexes at this locus in Heymann nephritis. We have confirmed the observations of Kerjaschki and Farquhar by demonstrating the HMWgp in extracts of rat brush border membrane and isolated glomeruli on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide (SDS-PA) (5%) gels. An antiserum raised to purified rat HMWgp identifies the antigen from rat or mouse kidney on Western blots. However, unlike rodent kidney, we were unable to detect a comparable HMWgp in extracts of human kidney on SDS-PA gels and found no cross-reactive material on Western blots of human brush border membrane proteins. Our observations suggest that human kidney lacks the nephritogenic antigen critical to initiation of Heymann nephritis in rodents.     

Antibody localization in the glomerular basement membrane may precede in situ immune deposit formation in rat glomeruli

The administration of cationized antibodies, specific to human serum albumin, into the renal artery of rats caused transient presence of IgG in glomeruli by immunofluorescence microscopy. Intravenous infusion of appropriate doses of antigen after the injection of cationized antibodies resulted in immune deposit formation in glomeruli that persisted through 96 hr. By electron microscopy, these deposits were located in the subepithelial area. The injection of large doses of antigen produced immune deposits which were present in glomeruli for only a few hours, presumably due to formation of only small-latticed immune complexes. The presented data indicate that cationic antibodies bound to the fixed negative charges of the glomerular basement membrane can interact with circulating antigen to form immune deposits in glomeruli. This mechanism may be important because anionic antigens have been shown to induce the synthesis of cationic antibodies.     

Detection of attachment of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) to human small intestinal cells by enzyme immunoassay

Abstract Simple immunoassays were developed to study the binding between enterocytes of the small intestine and other cell types, and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC). CFA/I or CFA/II pilus protein or CFA-positive E. coli bacteria were wells of microtitre plates and incubated with vesicles or crude mucus prepared from human brush border enterocytes. Binding of the cell preparations was detected by adding specific rabbit anti-brush border IgG followed by urease-labelled goat anti-rabbit IgG and urea substrate. The binding of purified CFA/I to human or rabbit small intestine, human oral epithelial cells or Caco-2 cells was detected with specific anti-CFA/I IgG. Both human brush border and mucus-derived preparations were able to attach to ETEC. The binding was CFA-specific and strong enough to withstand several washings. In contrast, CFA/I did not bind to small intestinal cells of non-human small intestinal origin, indicating that there may be important differences in affinity between receptors present on human small intestinal cells and cells of non-human small intestinal origin. Antibodies directed against human small intestinal and non-small intestinal cells did not cross-react with either preparation, indicating that receptors between these different cell sources are different. The EIA proved useful during the identification of a newly-recognised 15 kDa bacterial surface component of ETEC strain H10407P, which may function as a putative attachment factor. The EIAs developed in this study were easy to perform and multiple tests could be performed on small samples, including biopsy samples obtained during endoscopy.     

Evaluation of sequential glomerular eluates from rats with Heymann nephritis

This study was undertaken to characterize the antigen-antibody content of sequential glomerular eluates from rats with Heymann nephritis. Serum and renal tissue were harvested every 2 wk after immunization with renal tubular antigen (Fx1A). Circulating antibody to the tubular antigen was detectable in the circulation from days 7 to 98. Direct immunofluorescence of renal tissue demonstrated an increase in IgG deposits through day 49 with stabilization thereafter. Tubular antigen deposits peaked at day 49 and then declined. One-hour and 3-hr acid eluates of isolated glomeruli were analyzed for IgG content, antibody specificity, and antigen content. Antibody from the 1-hr eluate bound to the tubular brush border but not the glomerulus, whereas the 3-hr eluate demonstrated binding to the glomerulus and not to the tubular brush border. In addition to rat IgG, the 1-hr eluate demonstrated a 70 kD band and the 3-hr eluate demonstrated a 45 kD band by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. By Western blot, antibody to the brush border bound to the 70 kD band. Anti-idiotypic antibody to anti-Fx1A, which binds to the glomerulus by indirect immunofluorescence, bound to the 45 kD band. The 3-hr eluate, but not the 1-hr eluate, precipitates radiolabeled F(ab')2 fragments from anti-Fx1A antibody but not from normal rat IgG. Quantitative analysis of the sequential eluates demonstrated that the 70 kD-anti-Fx1A system predominated early in the course of disease, whereas the 45 kD-anti-idiotype antigen-antibody system predominated late in the course of the disease. These observations confirm that two antigen-antibody systems contribute to the immune deposits in Heymann nephritis.     

Cellular aspects of rabbit Masugi nephritis V. Ultrastructural cytochemistry of monocytic cells

Ultrastructural cytochemistry for nonspecific esterase (NSE) was performed on normal and nephritic rabbit kidneys. In normal glomeruli distinct reaction deposits appearing as electron-dense granules were present in visceral epithelial cells (podocytes) and epithelial cells of Bowman's capsule, but only a few small or minute deposits were seen in some endothelial and mesangial cells. In acute proliferative glomerulonephritis (Masugi nephritis), many reaction deposits occurred in mononuclear cells accumulating in glomerular tufts which presented the characteristic features of monocytic cells. Macrophages which had migrated into subendothelial space as well as epithelioid cells and multinucleated giant cells, all of which are known to be derived from monocytes, also exhibited the reaction product. The NSE granules in mesangial and endothelial cells were much smaller and fewer in number than those in monocytic cells. The present method may contribute to the more precise differentiation of monocytic cells from mesangial and endothelial cells in proliferative glomerulonephritis.     

Ultramicroscopic localization of cationized antigen in the glomerular basement membrane in the course of active, in situ immune complex glomerulonephritis

The sequence of antigen localization and the interaction of immune deposits with the anionic sites of the glomerular basement membrane (GBM) were investigated in an active model of in situ immune complex glomerulonephritis using a cationized ferritin. Three weeks after immunization with native horse spleen ferritin, the left kidneys of rats were perfused with 500 micrograms of cationized ferritin through the left renal artery. One h after renal perfusion, most of ferritin particles localized subendothelially, corresponding to the anionic sites of the lamina rara interna. In the glomerular capillary loops, infiltrating polymorphonuclear leukocytes and monocytes were seen. Some of these monocytes were in direct contact with immune complexes containing ferritin aggregates associated with anionic sites of the lamina rara interna. At 24 h, numerous ferritin aggregates were present subepithelially, preferentially beneath the slit membrane. The subepithelial location of ferritin did not always correspond to the anionic sites of the lamina rara externa. From days 3 to 7, there was remarkable endocapillary cell proliferation in some loops and pronounced effacement of epithelial foot processes. Focal detachment of epithelium from the GBM was observed occasionally. From days 14 to 28, most of ferritin aggregates were located intramembranously and subepithelially. Membranous transformation has already begun around the subepithelial deposits. This morphological study provides insight into the fate of immune deposits and injury to the GBM in the glomerulonephritis.     

A possible ligand of serum origin for the kidney autoantigen of Heymann nephritis

Earlier studies have localized the Heymann nephritis (HN) autoantigen (gp330) in the coated pits of the plasma membrane and multivesicular bodies of the glomerular epithelial cell. Because of these locations in the glomerular epithelial cells, it has been suggested that the HN Ag may be a receptor. The aim of our study was to search for a ligand which can bind the HN autoantigen. Normal rat serum was subjected to SDS-PAGE under reducing and non-reducing conditions followed by Western analysis of the separated polypeptides. A reaction was revealed directly by autoradiography using 125I labeled HN autoantigen as a probe and indirectly by enzyme immunodetection using unlabeled nephritogenic autoantibody (anti-gp330) eluted from glomeruli of diseased rats followed by biotinylated rabbit anti-rat IgG avidin-peroxidase complex. A polypeptide of 76 kDa Mr was identified under non-reducing conditions as a serum protein reacting with the HN autoantigen. Reactivity of the 76-kDa polypeptide was lost when serum was electrophoresed under reducing conditions. Direct binding of the 76-kDa polypeptide obtained from serum to the HN autoantigen obtained from kidney suggests that the 76-kDa polypeptide may be a ligand for the autoantigen. This is the first documentation of a possible ligand for the HN autoantigen. Not only does this polypeptide bind to the HN autoantigen but it also shows direct binding with the nephritogenic autoantibody eluted from glomerular deposits. This characteristic of the 76-kDa polypeptide indicates that this serum protein may potentially play a role in the development of the glomerular lesion of active HN. Further analysis of this serum component should assist in understanding the normal function of the HN autoantigen.