Changes in glomerular extracellular matrices components in diabetic nephropathy.

The changes in glomerular extracellular matrices components in diabetic nephropathy were investigated. Indirect immunofluorescence staining, using polyclonal antibodies to heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HS-PG), laminin, type IV collagen, and fibronectin was carried out on renal specimens obtained by needle biopsy. Immunofluorescence intensity and distribution were observed. HS-PG and laminin decreased in the capillary walls; on the other hand, type IV collagen and fibronectin tended to increase in the mesangial area. HS-PG and laminin decreased in inverse proportion to sclerosis grades and proteinuria. These changes seemed to play an important role in progression of diabetic glomerulosclerosis.