[Diabetic glomerulosclerosis in the DBM mouse. Correlated study of quantitative morphology, immunofluorescence and...

Using an experimental model of genetic diabetes (DBM mouse) a comparison was made of the results of quantitative data obtained by light and electron microscopy (measurement of glomerular and mesangial surface areas, assessment of the thickness of the basal membrane and its irregularities) and was used to demonstrate the actual presence of glomerulosclerosis in the renal parenchyma of 31 diabetic animals. In addition, immunofluorescent investigations in these same animals demonstrated the presence of serum proteins (in particular immunoglobulins and albumin) in the glomerulus and the tubular basal membrane. These substances transude through the vessels as a result of increased vascular permeability. In this area, membrane abnormalities are not a consequence of hyperglycaemia. In the group, one batch of animals in which hyperglycaemia was partially reduced by glycoregulatory therapy showed the same glomerular changes. Amongst other factors, the possible role of hyperinsulinaemia constantly present in these animals, regardless of their blood glucose level, is worthy of considération.