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Immune complex deposition in Bowman's capsule is associated with parietal podocytes
Author(s) -
Gibson Ian W.,
Downie Thomas T.,
More Ian A. R.,
Lindop George B. M.
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
the journal of pathology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.964
H-Index - 184
eISSN - 1096-9896
pISSN - 0022-3417
DOI - 10.1002/path.1711730109
Subject(s) - podocyte , glomerulus , biology , pathology , immunostaining , nephrin , anatomy , kidney , immunohistochemistry , proteinuria , medicine , endocrinology , immunology
We have recently documented the presence of podocytes lining part of Bowman's capsule at the vascular pole, in adult human kidney. In this study, we describe the deposition of immune complexes in Bowman's capsule in association with these parietal podocytes. We examined 1 year's consecutive human renal biopsies ( n =170). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed 18 cases in which parietal podocytes were present. Of these 18, there were 11 cases of glomerulonephritis, in which immune complexes were demonstrated in the capillary tuft by both TEM and direct immunofluorescence microscopy. In seven of these 11 cases, TEM showed immune complex‐type deposits in Bowman's capsule, always associated with parietal podocytes. These deposits were similar in size, appearance, and distribution to the deposits in the capillary tuft. By contrast, non‐specific electron densities within Bowman's capsule were found beneath both squamous parietal cells and parietal podocytes. In four cases, Bowman's capsule also showed focal positive immunostaining for complement components and/or fibrinogen. Both parietal and visceral podocytes showed similar fusion of pedicels. We suggest that filtration through parietal podocytes may be responsible for immune complex deposition and subsequent damage to the vascular pole of the glomerulus in human renal disease.