Pathogenetic role of mesangial immune deposits.

This investigation was designed to clarify the pathogenetic role of immune complexes within the mesangium. We administered a ferritin-protein antigen to rats which localised and persisted within the mesangium. Subsequently administration of anti-ferritin antibody resulted in binding of antibody to the mesangially located antigen. The effect of this immune complex formed in situ was studied in long-term experiments and no evidence of glomerular impairment was seen. These results lend support to the view that an immunological process, confined to the mesangium, may not necessarily compromise renal function.