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Immune complex mediated lesions in experimental Kala azar: an ultrastructural study
1Department of Microbiology, King George's Medical College, 226003, New Delhi, India.
Insights
Circulating immune complexes (CIC) are implicated in kidney damage during Kala azar. This study demonstrates CIC presence in infected mice, correlating with renal lesions, suggesting their role in disease pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Nephrology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Immune complexes contribute to renal lesions in various diseases.
- Circulating immune complexes (CIC) are observed in Kala azar.
- The role of CIC in Kala azar pathogenesis requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of circulating immune complexes (CIC) in the pathogenesis of renal lesions in Kala azar.
Main Methods:
- Experimental infection of BALB/C mice with L. donovani promastigotes.
- Detection of leishmanial antigen-specific CIC using PEG ELISA.
- Ultrastructural examination of renal tissues from infected mice.
Main Results:
- Leishmanial antigen-specific CIC were detected in 100% of infected mice.
- Renal lesions in infected mice exhibited electron-dense deposits in the glomerular basement membrane and subepithelial space, consistent with immune complexes.
- Subendothelial and mesangial hypercellularity were occasionally observed.
Conclusions:
- Circulating immune complexes play a definite role in the pathogenesis of renal lesions observed in Kala azar.
- The presence of immune complex-like deposits in the kidneys supports their involvement in disease progression.
Abstract:
Immune complexes play an important role in causation of renal lesions in various diseases. Circulating immune comlexes (CIC) are described in Kala azar. Role of CIC in pathogenesis of Kalaazar is discussed in present study. BALB/C mice were experimentally infected with L. donovani promastigotes. After visceralisation of infection, sera and kidneys of infected mice were preserved. Leishmanial antigen specific CIC could be demonstrated in 100% of infected mice by PEG ELISA, while they were absent in control mice. Ultrastructural pattern of renal lesions in infected mice showed presence of focal small electron dense deposits in glomerular basement membrane and subepithelial space, resembling immune complexes (humps). Rarely subendothelial and mesangial hypercellularity was present. These findings point towards a definite role of CIC in pathogenesis of renal lesions in Kalaazar.
