title: Immunoelectron microscopic study of childhood IgA nephropathy and Henoch-Schönlein nephritis.
abstract: Renal biopsy specimens from 11 children with Henoch-Schönlein nephritis and 14 with IgA nephropathy were examined by immunoelectron microscopy. The distribution of IgA reaction product (RP) was found to be similar to that of the electron-dense deposits seen with conventional electron microscopy. Deposits of IgA-RP were present in the mesangium and in the subendothelial region of the peripheral glomerular capillary wall in all patients. Subepithelial deposits of IgA-RP were seen in 12 patients. Deposits of IgG-RP were rare and no deposits of IgM-RP were observed. Deposits of C3-RP were found frequently, although they were smaller and less extensive than deposits of IgA-RP. There was no significant difference between Henoch-Schönlein nephritis and IgA nephropathy with regard to immunoelectron microscopy findings. These observations suggest that Henoch-Schönlein nephritis and IgA nephropathy are both forms of mesangiopathic glomerulo-nephritis caused by immune complexes, mainly composed of IgA.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001706:Biopsy; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005920:Glomerular Mesangium / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D005922:Glomerulonephritis, IGA / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D011695:IgA Vasculitis / Q000150:complications*; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000378:metabolism; D007158:Immunologic Techniques; D007668:Kidney / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D007678:Kidney Glomerulus / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009393:Nephritis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D007070:Immunoglobulin A