1984 Volume 26 Issue 8 Pages 1029-1036
In order to investigate the effect of the charge of antigen on the glomerular localization and the manner of the localization of immune complex (IC), we studied the localization of immune complex (IC), we studied the characteristics of the charge modified BSA, their non-immune elimination and the localization of antigens and IC composed of their antigens, using the system of passive serum sickness nephritis. The following results were obtained.1) The charge modified BSA and native BSA were almost same in size.2) The non-immune elimination of charge modified BSA occured quickly compared with that of native BSA.3) Cationic BSA was deposited along the peripheral capillary walls and anionic BSA was localized in renal tubular epithelium. These antigens disappeared from the kidney within 12 hours after the antigen injection.4) In the group in which cationic BSA was injected, followed by the injection of anti-BSA, the antibodies were localized mainly along the capillary walls. However, in the group in which anionic and native BSA were injected, followed by the injection of anti-BSA, the antibodies were localized in the mesangium. At the time when the antigens were eliminated from the circulation there was no antibody deposition in the glomerulus. From the above results, we speculate that the charge of antigen was one of the important factors determining the localization of circulating immune complexes in the glomerulus and there was little possibility of in situ IC formation in this system.
