Mesangial cell dysfunction detected by accumulation of aggregated protein in rats with streptozotocin induced diabetes.

Diminished renal glomerular mesangial phagocytic function has been found in rats with streptozotocin induced diabetes. Similar impairment was produced by high dose cortisone and growth hormone, whereas oestrogen had a stimulant effect. The findings could be relevant to the understanding of human diabetic nephropathy.