Renal tubule brush border antigens: failure to confirm a pathogenetic role in human membranous glomerulonephritis.

Biopsies from 60 patients with membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN) were examined for the presence of renal tubular brush border antigens (BBAs) in immune complexes. Eluted and uneluted tissue sections were stained with fluoresceinated antibody to human BBA preparations. In no instance were BBAs found in glomerular deposits. The specificity of antisera and immunopathologic findings were verified by appropriate controls. The results failed to corroborate a role for BBAs in the pathogenesis of human MGN.