Immune deposits in the glomerular extracellular matrix detected by the quick-freezing and deep-etching method

Chronic serum sickness nephritis was induced in rats by sensitization with egg albumin. The glomeruli were then examined by the quick-freezing and deep-etching method with immunohistochemical identification of immune complex deposits on replica membranes. In control rats, the glomerular basement membrane showed a three-layered structure. The middle layer was composed of a compact meshwork of fine fibrils that was connected to adjacent endothelial and epithelial cells by perpendicular fibrils in the inner and outer layers. The mesangial matrix contained a similar but looser meshwork structure. In the nephritic rats, small granular deposits were observed within the meshwork, distorting its fine structure. Larger nodular aggregates extended continuously from the middle layer to the epithelial side. Disruption of the connecting fibrils overlying these larger aggregates was noted. The deposits were stained by antiegg albumin or antirat IgG antibodies. Gold particles immunostaining for the sensitizing antigen were also localized within the deposits. These findings suggest that the deposition of immune complexes occurs in the fibrillary meshworks of the mesangium and lamina densa in this experimental model, with the resultant distortion of their meshwork structures and the formation of nodular aggregates.