Arthus-type nephritis. II. Glomerular clearing system against poorly soluble and insoluble immune complexes

The uptake and transport of immune complexes (IC) in glomeruli were studied in Arthus-type nephritis induced by ferritin anti-ferritin IC. This experimental nephritis was transient in nature, forming electron dense aggregates and deposits in glomeruli, and was considered to be suitable for the analysis of the glomerular defence against immune complex injury. The IC were taken up and removed from the glomerular circulation first by polymorphonuclear leukocytes and later by macrophages. The IC in the glomerular capillary walls and mesangium were seen to shift slowly from the peripheral part of the glomeruli to the more central and juxtaglomerular area. It is speculated that the glomerular integrity is maintained from the immune complex induced tissue injury through the handling and removal of phlogogenic IC by the blood derived phagocytic system and intrinsic glomerular clearing system.