Uptake and disposal of bsa-coated latex particles by the rat mesangium: Reaction with subsequently administered heterologous antiserum

Mesangial uptake and disposal of antigen‐coated latex particles and the ability of subsequently injected antibody to maintain complexed antigen in the rat mesangium has been investigated. Carboxylate‐modified latex particles, coated with bovine albumin (BSA) were injected i.v. to 36 Wistar rats. Twenty‐two rats (group 1) were not treated further. Fourteen rats (group 2) received rabbit anti‐BSA antiserum i.v. and i.p. 24 h later. Control groups were injected with uncoated, unmodified latex particles or soluble BSA with and without subsequent antibody administration. Latex was present in the mesangial matrix of rats in group 1 at 1 h in association with a diffuse mesangial distribution of BSA. At 24 h, BSA staining was markedly reduced and extracellular latex was no longer observed. Intracellular latex aggregates were present in experimental and control groups at 24 h‐14 days in cytoplasmic vacuoles of hypertrophic mesangium which showed minor infiltration by macrophage‐like cells. Progressive removal of latex aggregates coincided with declining mesangial reactivity. Rapid disappearance of antigen apparently results from local degradation of tracer in the mesangium. Antibody administration preserves BSA in the mesangium due to immune complex formation and is associated with retention of ingested latex by mesangial cells. However, efficient disposal of glomerular immune deposits by the mesangium appears to minimize infiltration by monocytes and prevents aggravation of glomerular inflammation.