Very Late Activation-3 Integrin Is the Dominant β1-Integrin on the Glomerular Capillary Wall: An Immunofluorescence Study in Nephrotic Syndrome

Authors:
  • LFLuciana Furci
    Luciana Furci
  • GZGiovanna Zambruno
    Giovanna Zambruno
  • ERElisabetta Rubbiani
    Elisabetta Rubbiani
  • GAGiorgio Annessi
    Giorgio Annessi
  • ELEgidio Lusvarghi
    Egidio Lusvarghi
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Abstract
The expression of α2; α3; α5; α6-subunits of the β1 [very late activation (VLA)] integrin family was studied in kidney specimens using an immunofluorescent technique. 6 specimens from normal kidney were compared with 10 specimens from patients affected by various glomerulopathies [minimal change nephropathy (MCN), membranous nephropathy (MN) and systemic lupus erythematosus nephritis (SLEN)]. On normal glomeruli, α3 was the dominant integrin, being mainly present on podocytes and showing a linear fluorescent pattern codistributed with laminin. In MCN and SLEN, α3 presented a normal pattern. In MN, α3 revealed a trabecular picture on thickened glomerular basement membranes. Moreover, in stage-Ill MN, a segmental loss of α3-integrin was detected. In our opinion, VLA-3 may offer an interesting approach to the study of the relationships between podocytes and their substrate.