Circulating immune complexes in syphilitic nephropathy. A case report.
A case of transient nephrotic syndrome caused by secondary syphilis is described. A renal biopsy was performed revealing subepithelial hump-like electron-dense deposits and fusion of epithelial foot-processes. Complement C1q-binding-activity and anticomplementarity were demonstrated in the blood, indicating the presence of circulating immune complexes. This strongly suggests that circulating immune complexes are significant in the immunopathogenesis of syphilitic nephropathy.
D000328:Adult; D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex; D003172:Complement C1; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009404:Nephrotic Syndrome / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D013587:Syphilis / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology*
D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex; D003172:Complement C1