Experience in the diagnosis of glomerulonephritis using combined light microscopical, ultrastructural and immunofluorescence techniques?an analysis of 134 cases

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Immunofluorescent staining [IS] has particular value in demonstrating Ig[immunoglobulin]G-containing deposits in early membranous glomerulonephritis [in humans] at a stage when ordinary microscopy is inconclusive. IS demonstrates the mechanism of glomerular damage in severe extracapillary proliferation and in some cases of recurrent hematuria, but is less successful in separating minimal change disease from proliferative processes. EM reveals the precise site of immune deposits and fibrin together with basement membrane changes, the microtubular structures common in SLE [systemic lupus erythematosus] and other details. For the accurate diagnosis of kidney disease it is essential to supplement light microscopy with one, or preferably both, of these methods.