The Antigenic Composition of the Various Anatomic Structures of the Canine Kidney

Abstract

Previous studies from this laboratory (1) have shown that within the frame of reference of the isolated glomerulus, the “nephrotoxic” antigen(s), the heterologous serum to which can produce glomerulonephritis in the donor species, is localized within the basement membrane of the glomerular capillaries. The parietal capsule and the cellular elements of the glomerulus could be excluded as sites of this antigen(s). In the course of these investigations additional methods were evolved whereby tubular epithelial cells from the cortex of the kidney and tubular basement membrane could be obtained in relatively pure form. Heterologous serums developed against these two additional renal components failed to produce glomerulonephritis in the donor species. The present investigation was, therefore, designed to determine and contrast the antigenic composition of all the isolated principal renal structures on an in vitro basis.