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Recurrent Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis with Glomerular Properdin Deposition in Allografts
- STEPHEN W. ZIMMERMAN, M.D.;
- LAWRENCE R. HYMAN, M.D.;
- DAVID T. UEHLING, M.D.; and
- PETER M. BURKHOLDER, M.D.
Abstract
Two children with renal allografts developed membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis that was histopathologically similar to their original disease. Recurrent disease was diagnosed in biopsy specimens from one child with a cadaveric graft, at 2 and at 5½ years after transplantation. The graft remains functional at 6 years, although persistent hematuria, proteinuria, and mild renal failure are evident. The second child received a D-match kidney from her brother. Two years later recurrent glomerulonephritis and chronic graft rejection necessitated a transplant nephrectomy. Immunofluorescence microscopy of renal allografts from both patients showed glomerular deposition of C3 and properdin, with minimal or no deposition of complement-fixing immunoglobulins. Glomerular deposits of properdin factor B (C3 proactivator) were also seen in one of the children. These findings suggest that membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis may recur in renal allografts, possibly through activation of the alternate complement pathway.
Article and Author Information
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▸From the Nephrology Program and the Departments of Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery, and Pathology, University of Wisconsin Medical Center, Madison, Wisconsin.
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Grant support: AM-15159. Dr. Zimmerman is a NIH trainee, grant AM-05582; Dr. Hyman is the recipient of a Special Fellowship, AM-53086, from the U.S. Public Health Service.
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Published in abstract form in Clin Res 21:591, 1973.
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▸Requests for reprints should be addressed to Stephen W. Zimmerman, M.D., Department of Pathology, University of Wisconsin, 470 North Charter St., Madison, WI 53706.
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- Received June 26, 1973.
- Accepted October 19, 1973.
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