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Dynamics of streptococcus histone retention by mouse kidneys
S H Choi1, X Zhang, M W Stinson
1Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo 14214-3005, USA.
Clinical Immunology and Immunopathology
|July 1, 1995
Summary
Streptococcal histone protein accumulates in mouse kidneys, binding to basement membranes. This renal tissue retention suggests it may be a virulence factor in post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Microbiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis is a kidney disease following Streptococcus infection.
- The role of specific bacterial components in kidney damage is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interaction of streptococcal histone-like protein with renal tissue.
- To determine if this protein is a potential virulence factor in kidney disease.
Main Methods:
- Radioiodinated streptococcal histone or bovine serum albumin (BSA) was injected intravenously into mice.
- Radioactivity in blood, urine, and kidneys was measured over 48 hours.
- Immunofluorescence staining examined protein localization in kidney tissue.
Main Results:
- Streptococcal protein rapidly cleared from blood and accumulated in renal tissue, with retention 2 orders higher than BSA.
- Protein localized to glomerular and tubular basement membranes.
- Immune complex formation did not alter protein distribution or excretion rates.
Conclusions:
- Streptococcal histone protein accumulates in renal tissue, binding to glomerular and tubular basement membranes.
- This accumulation, independent of antibodies, suggests it is a potential virulence factor in post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis.
- Further studies in an animal model are needed to confirm its pathogenic role.