Dynamic relationship between macrophage and extra cellular matrix in the kidney of rats with experimental nephritis

AIM: To observe the changes in infiltrating macrophages (Mф)and extracellular matrix (ECM) in the kidney in the progressive course of nephrotoxic nephritis (NTN). METHODS: NTN model was established with rabbit-anti-rat nephrotoxic serum. On day 3, 7, 15, 30 and 90, renal biopsies were performed. Renal histology was checked under light microscopy with HE and Masson's trichrome staining sections. Mф, fibronectin (FN), type Ⅲ and Ⅳ collagen were examined with immunohistochemistry ABC method. RESULTS: Infiltration of Mф appeared on day 3 of NTN and preceded changes of FN and collagen. On day 15 of NTN, all nephritic animals had significant proteinuria, increased serum creatinine, infiltration of Mф and deposit of entracellular matrix. On day 90 of NTN, seven nephritic animals improved significantly, while other five developed renal scarring with diffuse infiltration of Mф which positively paralleled to renal function and deposit of FN, type Ⅲ and Ⅳ collagen. CONCLUSION: Mф infiltrating into renal tissue enhances deposit of ECM and therefore plays important roles in progression or improvement of NTN.