Hepatic synthesis and albumin distribution in the primary nephrotic syndrome (PNS). as demonstrated by immunofluoresce.

To study some of the aspects of albumin homeostasis and proteinuria in PNS, the hepatic production of albumin is analyzed using semiquantitative immunofluorescent techniques, in biopsy specimens from nine subjects, free of hepatic or renal disease and nine patients with PNS, where renal biopsies were also made. Tissue sections 0.5 millimicron thick were cut. The hepatic synthesis of albumin, interpreted by the number of cells with specific fluorescence, was much higher in patients with PNS (p less than 0.001), and kept inverse relationship with serum albumin concentrations. Numberless droplets containing albumin were observed in the renal tissue indicating intense resorption and catabolism in the luminal and basal portions of the proximal convoluted tubules. Our findings indicate that, in PNS, albumin synthesis is substantially increased and hypoalbuminemia is caused by exaggerated renal excretion and catabolism.