EOSINOPHIL CATIONIC PROTEIN IN HENOCH-SCHONLEIN PURPURA AND IN IGA NEPHROPATHY

In order to identify the relationship between eosinophil activation in Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) and IEA nephropathy, serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) was analyzed in both conditions. The soluble in terleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) was also analyzed, The levels of ECP wer e significantly higher in HSP patients (mean 9.7 +/- 1.8 mu g/l) than in a control group (mean 4.6 +/- 0.7 mu g/l). When the HSP patients we re classified into two groups, one with normal urine and one with abno rmal urine, the latter showed higher levels of ECP than the former. Le vels of ECP were not significantly higher in IgA nephropathy patients than in a control group. The sIL-2R levels were elevated in the serum of HSP and IgA nephropathy patients compared with controls, In conclus ion, eosinophil activation may be involved in the pathogenesis of HSP but not in IgA nephropathy.