Estimation of beta-IG globulin in glomerulonephritis.

Serum beta(IC) globulin, the third component of the complement system, was estimated by the single diffusion method (Oudin) and its significance in human glomerulonephritis was evaluated. This protein was depressed in two of three cases of acute proliferative glomerulonephritis and nine of 12 cases of acute glomerulonephritis. Beta(IC) globulin continued to be low in two cases of active subacute glomerulonephritis whereas it returned to normal in five of the cases of acute glomerulonephritis. Values were normal in eight patients with membranous glomerulonephritis, four with chronic glomerulonephritis and one with hereditary glomerulonephritis, as well as in patients with other renal diseases and diseases of non-renal origin. In addition, levels were elevated in six patients with diseases of possible immune pathogenesis. It is concluded that beta(IC) globulin estimation is a useful aid in the diagnosis and prognosis of glomerulonephritis in humans.