The role for endothelin in mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis.

To understand the effect of endothelin (ET) on the mesangium and matrix proliferation on the basis of hyperlipidemia, the model of mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (MSPGN) was established by intravenously giving calf serum albumin (250 mg/L) to the rabbits fed on feed containing 1% cholesterol for 4-8 weeks. Our results showed that in the 4th week of the experiment, the ET level in experiment group was significantly higher than that of normal controls (P < 0.01) and the pathological examination revealed development of MSPGN. In the 8th week of the experiment, the ET level was further elevated and pathological study demonstrated local glomerular sclerosis and infiltration of lymphocytes of interstitia. We are led to conclude that ET, as a newly identified hormone, is involved in the pathogenesis and development of MSPGN and acts as an important regulator in the proliferation of mesangium and accumulation of matrix of basal membrane.