HUMAN GLOMERULAR BASEMENT MEMBRANE: CHEMICAL COMPOSITION IN DIABETES MELLITUS

Abstract

Abstract. Glomerular basement membrane (GBM) was isolated from human kidneys obtained at autopsy or nephrectomy in preparation for transplantation. Kidneys from 22 patients were used: 10 patients without a history of diabetes mellitus or kidney disease and with normal kidney morphology, 5 with a short history of diabetes and minimal pathological changes in the kidneys, and 7 with very advanced diabetic nephropathy. The GBM preparations were individually analysed for amino acids, carbohydrates, phospholipids and cholesterol. The cystine concentration was found to be lower both in early diabetic nephropathy and advanced diabetic nephropathy than in normal kidneys. In advanced diabetic nephropathy a significant decrease in the content of sialic acid was found. Contrary to other reports there was no increase in the amounts of hydroxylysine or glucosyl‐galactosyl‐hydroxylysine. The influence of technical factors on the chemical composition of GBM preparations is discussed.