Experimental immune glomerulonephritis induced in the rabbit with streptococcal vaccine

Heavy C3 glomerular deposits were observed in rabbits injected intravenously with C5 streptococcal vaccine. Immunoglobulin deposits appeared later in a few rabbits. Although some data favour the presence of circulating immune complexes during the course of this glomerulonephritis, no evidence for their initiating role could be demonstrated. Streptococcal components are known to activate the alternative pathway of complement. It is suggested that complexes made of streptococcal components and activated C3 might deposit in glomerular tufts.