Morphology
The defining point of MGN is the presence of subepithelial immunoglobulin-containing deposits along the glomerular basement membrane (GBM).
- By light microscopy, the basement membrane is observed to be diffusely thickened. Using Jones' stain, the GBM appears to have a "spiked" or "holey" appearance.
- On electron microscopy, subepithelial deposits that nestle against the glomerular basement membrane seems to be the cause of the thickening. Also, the podocytes lose their foot processes. As the disease progresses, the deposits will eventually be cleared, leaving cavities in the basement membrane. These cavities will later be filled with basement membrane-like material, and if the disease continues even further, the glomeruli will become sclerosed and finally hyalinized.
- Immunoflourescence microscopy will reveal typical granular deposition of immunoglobulins and complement along the basement membrane.
Although it usually affects the entire glomerulus, it can affect parts of the glomerulus in some cases.
Read more about this topic: Membranous Glomerulonephritis
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