Nephritis refers to an inflammation of the kidney; glomerulonephritis refers to an inflammation affecting the glomeruli. This latter condition may be acute or chronic, and can lead to renal failure.

Acute glomerulonephritis (AGN) usually results from an abnormal immune reaction that develops one to three weeks following bacterial infection by beta-hemolytic streptococci. As a rule, the infection occurs in some other part of the body and does not affect the kidneys directly. Instead, bacterial antigens trigger an immune reaction. Antibodies are produced against these antigens, forming insoluble immune complexes that are carried by the blood to the kidneys. The antigen-antibody complexes are deposited in and block the glomerular capillaries.

At the same time, inflammation sends large numbers of white blood cells to the region, blocking the capillaries still more. Those capillaries remaining open may become abnormally permeable, sending plasma proteins and red blood cells into the urine.

Most glomerulonephritis patients eventually regain normal kidney function; however, in severe cases, renal functions may fail completely, and without treatment, the person is likely to die within a week or so.

Chronic glomerulonephritis is a progressive disease in which increasing numbers of nephrons are slowly damaged until finally the kidneys are unable to function. This condition is usually associated with certain diseases other than streptococcal infections, and it also involves formation of antigen-antibody complexes that precipitate and accumulate in the glomeruli. The resulting inflammation is prolonged, and it is accompanied by fibrous tissue replacing glomerular membranes. As this happens, the functions of the nephrons are permanently lost, and eventually the kidneys fail.

Copyright ©1998 The McGraw-Hill Companies. All rights reserved. Any use is subject to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
McGraw-Hill Higher Education is one of the many fine businesses of The McGraw-Hill Companies.
For further information about this site contact mhhe_webmaster@mcgraw-hill.com.