[Sclerotic changes in the glomeruli in glomerulonephritis in children (immunohistochemical study]

The structure of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the kidney glomeruli in different variants of glomerulonephritis (GN) was studied using immunofluorescence. Mesangial sclerosis and synthesis of the interstitial collagen, type I and III, were found to be a peculiar feature of mesangioproliferative and mesangiocapillary GN. Location of sclerosis predominantly in the basal membranes of the peripheral capillary loops was typical for membranous GN. Restructuring of ECM in minimal changes and focal-segmentary glomerulosclerosis is limited by an increase of fibronectin in the mesangium and peripheral capillary loops of the glomeruli. The development of pronounced sclerosis and hyalinosis of glomeruli as well as the formation of the crescents are the most marked ECM restructuring signs regardless of GN form.