IgA nephropathy: dimeric IgA-secreting cells are present in episcleral infiltrate.
Recent publications have reported a frequent association between IgA nephropathy and episcleritis. In this article, the authors report on the immunohistologic study of an episcleral biopsy obtained in a female patient with Berger's disease and frequent episodes of episcleritis. Numerous dimeric-IgA-secreting cells were demonstrated in the episcleral inflammatory infiltrate. It also should be mentioned that microhematuria often occurred within a few days after the beginning of episcleritis in this patient. These results suggest the participation of ocular mucosal immunity in some cases of IgA nephropathy.
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005922:Glomerulonephritis, IGA / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000378:metabolism; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D010950:Plasma Cells / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D012590:Sclera / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*
D007070:Immunoglobulin A