IgA deposits might not influence the production of extracellular matrix in glomeruli of ddY mice, a spontaneous animal model for IgA nephropathy.

Immunofluorescence studies were carried out to determine whether the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) in glomeruli of ddY mice, a model for IgA nephropathy (Berger's disease), is influenced by treatment with a rat monoclonal antibody to murine CD4 molecules (mAb CD4). This mAb CD4 showed a selective decrease in the number of CD4+ T cells in the peripheral blood of ddY mice as described previously. The ddY mice were initially treated with intravenous injections, followed by weekly intraperitoneal injections of mAb CD4. In immunofluorescence, the mean intensity of IgA deposits in the renal glomerular mesangial areas and capillary walls of the treated ddY mice was significantly lower than that in saline-treated control mice at comparable ages. There was no significant difference in the distribution or intensity of ECM components, i.e. type IV collagen, fibronectin and heparan sulfate proteoglycan, in glomeruli between the mAB CD4-treated and the control ddY mice. In light microscopy, mesangial expansion in the treated ddY mice was milder than that found in the saline control mice. No significant differences in the average number of intraglomerular cells, levels of serum IgA and urinary protein between the treated and control ddY mice were observed. Thus, it appears that although CD4+ T cells modulate the amounts of glomerular IgA deposits, other factors may be involved in the expression of ECM in glomeruli of IgA nephropathy in ddY mice.