Renal involvement in canine leishmaniasis: a morphological and immunohistochemical study

M.J.V Soares,F.R Moraes,J.R.E Moraes

doi:10.1590/s0102-09352009000400004

Abstract

IgG and IgM deposits in kidneys of dogs with visceral leishmaniasis (VL) were studied in 25 symptomatic dogs (case) and 15 asymptomatic dogs (control) by an immunohistochemical method. All tested dogs were positive for VL by polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and indirect immunofluorescence test. Kidney fragments were submitted to immunohistochemical reaction. Many morphological patterns of distribution of subendothelial granules were identified for IgG and IgM in glomerular capillaries: global, segmental, diffuse, or focal. Intensity of immunohistochemical reaction to IgG was not significantly different when comparing the symptomatic and the asymptomatic animal groups by Fisher's exact test. IgM reactions were significantly different between groups (P<0.01). Deposits of IgM on mesangial cells and in inflammatory interstitial infiltrate were rarely seen, although IgG reactions were frequent at these sites. This study concluded that immunohistochemical reactions for IgM were more intense than those observed for IgG in canine VL, and these reactions were characterized by distribution of subendothelial granules in glomerular capillaries.

Highlights

Glomerulonephritis is characterized by immunecomplex deposition on glomerular capillary walls
This study was carried out using kidneys tissues removed after euthanasia and necropsy from dogs with naturally acquired leishmaniasis, (approved by CEBEA, process 006237), from the city of Teresina, PI
All the dogs were tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and indirect immunofluorescence (IFI) test

Summary

Introduction

Glomerulonephritis is characterized by immunecomplex deposition on glomerular capillary walls. These immune complexes cause proliferation of glomerular cells and thickening of capillary walls, morphologically identified as hyalinization and glomerular sclerosis. These irreversible lesions to the glomeruli incapacitate the nephrons and, with the progression of the. In naturally acquired canine leishmaniasis infections, involvement of the kidneys is frequently observed, with characteristic tubular and interstitial lesions of glomeruli which are immunologically mediated (Poli et al, 1991). Immune complexes have a limited capability of penetrating the basement membrane. Immune complexes are formed which circulate and penetrate the membrane, increasing subepithelial deposit (De Brito et al, 1975)

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