Expression of complement regulatory proteins in diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis

This study assessed the expression of complement receptor 1 (CR1), decay ac celerating factor (DAF) and membrane inhibitor of reactive lysis (CD59) on the erythrocytes and glomerulus of diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis (DPGN) of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients using flow cytometry and immunofluorescence techniques to elucidate their role in the pathogene sis of DPGN. Expression of CR1 on the erythrocytes and glomerulus of DPGN p atients was reduced compared with expression in normal subjects. However, e xpression of DAF and CD59 was increased on both erythrocytes and glomerulus of DPGN patients, suggesting the generation of a protective response again st complement-mediated injury.