The relevance of experimental models in the pathogenetic investigation of primary IgA nephropathy

IgA nephropathy, the most common form of primary glomerulonephritis, progre sses to terminal renal failure in about 25% of patients 10 years after the apparent clinical onset. Since its description in 1968 an intense research effort in order to clarify the pathogenetic mechanisms has involved the stu dy of animal models of the disease. In this review we analyze the experimen tal work reported since 1979, when the first animal model of IgA nephropath y was pubblished by Rifai er al, We also discuss the interplay between expe rimental data and relevant clinical observations. Finally, we report the ne w insights about the role played by cytokines and growth factors.