The role of cell-mediated immunity in glomerular injury has been extensively studied, but the precise mechanism remains obscure. This study was undertaken to determine whether the homologous glomerular basement membrane (GBM) combined heterogeneous anti-GBM antibody would induce cell-mediated immunity . Wistar-Kyoto rats were divided into three groups; group I rats were immunized with homologous GBM antigen that was derived from Masugi nephritis and emulsified in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA); group II rats were immunized with homologous GBM antigen that was derived from normal rats and emulsified in CFA; group Ill rats were immunized with CFA only . Group I rats demonstrated proteinuria on days 7 and 10 after immunization. Histologically, mesangial cell proliferation and cell infiltration were observed in the glomeruli . No changes in tubulointerstitial tissue. CD4-positive cells, CD8-positive cells and macrophages were found in the glomeruli, and mononucleor cells were found in the glomerular capillary lumen . Group II and Group IQ rats demonstrated no proteinuria and no histological changes. These findings indicated that the altered GBM obtained antigenicity and induced cell-mediated immunity in the glomeruli .
