Experimental canine adenovirus glomerulonephritis: histological, immunofluorescence and ultrastructural features of the early glomerular changes.

Eighteen 16-week-old dogs were inoculated i.v. with a virulent strain of canine adenovirus and the renal glomeruli were examined by light, electron (transmission and scanning) and immunofluorescence microscopy at intervals from 24 h to 7 days after inoculation of virus. From 2 days onwards intranuclear inclusion bodies and cell-associated viral antigen were detected in mesangial, endothelial and circulating mononuclear cells. This was accompanied by swelling and, in some cases, necrosis of these cells with partial or complete occlusion of capillary loops. In 5 dogs examined on days 5-7 after inoculation of virus, granular deposition of IgG, C3 and viral antigen was observed in mesangial areas and electron dense deposits were found in the mesangial matrix.