Lymphokine 'skin reactive factor' (SRF) and the nephrotic syndrome

Lymphocytes from N.S. patients, in culture and stimulated by PHA or Con A, release a lymphokine which increases vascular permeability; this factor is not present in normal subject and in control supernatants. Pharmacological and biological properties of this factor are similar to the guinea pig S.R.F. (PICK, TURK, MAILLARD). Modifications observed with meclofenamate, DTTC and addition of N.H.S. suggest that it could be an activator of the kinin system. Physicochemical studies show that it is a protein migrating as albumin. We have also recently demonstrated (unpublished data) the relationship of this factor with proteinuria: injections of active supernatants in rats renal artery is immediately followed by increase in proteinuria from 0,8 mg/h to 3,5 mg/h. Up to date, lymphokines have been studied in animals but seldom in human. Our results show that in human, variations in lymphokine production may be present. Pathogenic implications are now under study.