LONG-TERM OBSERVATION OF GLOMERULONEPHRITIS INDUCED BY MULTIPLE INJECTIONS WITH ANTI-THY-1 ANTIBODY IN RATS

Multiple injections with a mouse monoclonal anti-rat Thy-1 antibody (f ive times, at weekly intervals) induced marked glomerular sclerotic le sions which are characterized by adhesion of glomerular capillaries to Bowman's capsule and persistent proteinuria in rats. Abnormal product ion of type I collagen and increased accumulation of type IV collagen and fibronectin were observed in these glomeruli, The glomerular expre ssion of mRNA for these matrix components and transforming growth tact or-beta(1) (TGF-beta 1) were markedly increased at 4 days after the la st injections with anti-Thy-1 antibody, but decreased to below the lev els of control rats at 5 weeks. This may be down-regulation of mRNA in mesangial cells. The glomerular sclerotic lesions were not progressiv e but the process of glomerular healing seemed to be retarded. The pro teinuria and the glomerular adhesion were irreversible.