type 2
Last reviewed 01/2018
Type II is characterized by:
- mesangial cell proliferation
- electon-dense, linear deposits intramembranous deposits that usually stain for C3 only
- C3 levels are reduced whilst C4 levels remain within the normal range - often associated with C3 nephritic factor, which causes alternative pathway complement activation (low C3 with normal C4)
- recurs in transplants
- light microscopy
- enlarged glomeruli
- lobulated due to mesangial cell proliferation
- double contour basement membrane
- E.M.
- characteristic dense ribbon like deposits in lamina densa
- immunofluorescence: C3 outlines glomerular B.M.
There is an association between mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis and partial lipodystrophy; typically a female patient will have little subcutaneous adipose tissue above the waist.