The effect of pepsin on autologous immune complex glomerulonephritis

The effects of intravenous administration of pepsin on autologous immune complex glomerulonephritis, which is an established experimental model of membranous glomerulopathy in human, were investigated. Sensitization of rats with renal tubular antigen induced an increase in urinary protein excretion, decreases in serum levels of total protein, albumin and immunoglobulin G and histopathological abnormalities in glomerulus. A significant increase in serum immune complex and glomerular immune complex deposit were also observed. These abnormalities were ameliorated by pepsin. Pepsin may be effective and beneficial in the treatment of immune complex nephritis.