CD34+ fibroblast-like cells in the interstitial infiltrates in glomerulonephritis - An immunohistochemical observation

Abstract

CD34 cells in the interstitial infiltrates in glomerulonephritis (GN) could be the turning point between regenerative processes and interstitial fibrosis. The aim of our study was to assess the presence of CD34+ cells in the interstitial infiltrates in GN. A cross-sectional study of 33 patients with glomerulonephritis, mean age: 43.3 ±11.31 years, 20 male and 13 female, was conducted. Conventional stains, as well as immunohistochemistry for the CD34 antigen were employed on kidney biopsies. Strength of immunohistochemical reaction was assessed semi-quantitatively. Regarding the percentage of cases with CD34+ cells in the interstitial infiltrates out of 33 patients: cells of interstitial infiltrates were 27.3% positive. The percentage of cases showing CD34+ cells at the level of interstitial infiltrates was: 44.4% in FSGS, 14.3% in membranoproliferative GN, 28.6% in membranous nephropathy, 20% in mesangial proliferative GN, 0% in minimal change disease, and 50% in crescentic GN. With the exception of minimal change disease, CD34+ cells were found in the interstitial infiltrates in all histopathological forms of GN. Some of these cells were spindle-shaped fibroblast-like cells. As inflammation in the tubulointerstitial compartment either resolves or proceeds to fibrosis, aims at reversing this process will benefit from analyses of the interstitial infiltrates harboring CD34+ cells.