Induction of an autologous immune-complex glomerulonephritis in the rat by intravenous injection of heterologous anti-rat kidney tubular antibody IV: Effect of injection of HgCl2 prior to the antibody.

Autologous immune-complex glomerulonephritis developed in rats injected s.c. with HgCl2 2 days before the injection of anti-tubular fraction 3 antibody. The glomerulonephritis was progressive and characterized by granular deposition of IgG and C-3, with proteinuria from the eighth week onwards. Granular densities and severe glomerular basement membrane changes were observed when the experiment was terminated after 9 months. A possible mechanism of the glomerular lesion is discussed.