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Expression of platelet-derived growth factor in lupus nephritis in MRL/MpJ-1pr/1pr mice
C Entani1, K Izumino, M Takata
1Second Department of Internal Medicine, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Japan.
Abstract:
Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis. We examined PDGF expression and glomerular changes in lupus nephritis-prone MRL/MpJ-1pr/1pr (MRL/1) mice. The total number of nuclei per glomerular section and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level were significantly increased in MRL/1 mice aged 20 weeks compared to those aged 8 weeks. A positive correlation existed between numbers of PDGF beta-chain-positive cells and glomerular cells in MRL/1 mice (r = 0.77, p < 0.01). The BUN level did not differ among MRL/MP-+2 (MRL/n) mice of different ages, but the glomerular cell number increased modestly with age. At the age of 20 weeks, the incidence of crescent formation per kidney tissue ranged from 9 to 32% (mean 19%) in MRL/1 mice but was 0 in MRL/n mice. PDGF beta-chain protein was expressed in the mesangium and crescents in 20-week-old MRL/1 mice but was expressed rarely in the glomeruli of MRL/n mice. These results suggest that the PDGF beta-chain plays an important role in glomerular cell proliferation and crescent formation in murine lupus nephritis.
Insights
Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) drives mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis. In lupus nephritis mice, PDGF beta-chain expression correlated with increased glomerular cells and crescent formation, indicating its role in disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is implicated in mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis.
- Lupus nephritis is a severe form of glomerulonephritis characterized by inflammation and potential kidney damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of PDGF beta-chain expression in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis.
- To correlate PDGF beta-chain levels with glomerular changes and disease severity in a murine model.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of PDGF expression and glomerular morphology in lupus nephritis-prone (MRL/1) mice and control (MRL/n) mice at different ages.
- Assessment of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels as a marker of kidney function.
- Quantification of glomerular cell proliferation and crescent formation.
Main Results:
- MRL/1 mice showed increased glomerular cell numbers and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels with age.
- A significant positive correlation was observed between PDGF beta-chain-positive cells and glomerular cells in MRL/1 mice.
- Crescent formation was prevalent in 20-week-old MRL/1 mice, with PDGF beta-chain expression found in mesangial cells and crescents.
Conclusions:
- The PDGF beta-chain appears to be a key mediator of glomerular cell proliferation in murine lupus nephritis.
- PDGF beta-chain plays a significant role in the development of crescent formation during lupus nephritis.