New insights into the pathogenesis of interstitial nephritis

Emerging data on the role of interstitial inflammation in progressive renal disease are redefining our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of c hronic kidney damage. Recent experimental evidence emphasizes the role for both immune and non-immune mechanisms in interstitial nephritis. New observ ations regarding maneuvers that downregulate such injurious renal responses may direct further studies that develop new therapeutic modalities. Curr O pin Nephrol Hypertens 8:287-292. (C) 1999 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.