Evaluation of basal membrane antibody (immunoglobulin G) formation after high-energy shockwave application in rats

To evaluate the immune pathologic effects of high-energy shockwave (HESW) a pplication on glomerular and tubular basal membrane antibody (IgG) formatio n, an experimental study on rats has been performed. Following application of different numbers of shockwaves (100-200-500), the presence of antibody was examined with the direct immunofluorescent technique 2 weeks and 3 mont hs postprocedure. Whereas specimens examined after 2 weeks showed antibody formation in only one animal (500 HESWs), being located in the tubular tiss ues, all treated kidneys demonstrated varyious degrees of antibody formatio n in both tubular and glomerular tissues after 3 months, Antibody formation had a close relation to the number of HESWs applied and the time of examin ation after shockwave application. Apart from the well-defined functional a nd morphologic side effects of shockwave therapy, the possibility of immuno logic alterations after this form of therapy has to be evaluated thoroughly in both clinical and experimental studies.