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Membranous Glomerulonephritis
 

Membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN) is a disease characterized by subepithelial immune

deposits, thickening, usually diffuse, of the glomerular capillary walls, and, in many cases,
formation of perpendicular projections of material similar to the glomerular basement membrane
(GBM) in the external part of this one (between podocyte cytoplasm and GBM): “spikes”. Because
in this glomerulopathy inflammatory cells usually are not detected and that in some, or many of the
cases, there is not prominent local inflammation, but trapping of immune complexes, some authors
prefers to use the name membranous glomerulopathy or membranous glomerulonephropathy;
nevertheless, the presence of immunoglobulins, complement, and membrane attack complex (MAC)
(C5b-9) implies an inflammatory process (see below). Other used terms have been: membranous
nephropathy and epimembranous, perimembranous or extramembranous nephropathy (or
glomerulopathy).

MGN is more commonly a primary or idiopathic disease, but it also appears like a disease
secondary to other conditions, mainly infections, neoplasms and systemic lupus erythematosus
(SLE). In approximately 25% of cases the disease is secondary, being greater the percentage in
children and elderly patients (Glassock RJ, Nephrol Dial Transplant 7(S):64-71, 1992 [PubMed link]). Histopathologic
findings do not allow a differentiation between primary or secondary forms, nevertheless, some
microscopic characteristics (hypercellularity, crescents) and immunopathologic findings
(complement deposits that indicate activation of the classic pathway: C1q, C4) permit suspect
secondary forms.

MGN is the commonest cause of nephrotic syndrome (NS) in Caucasian adults (focal and segmental
glomeruloesclerosis being the commonest in Afro-American and in Hispanic patients (Arias LF, et al.
Glomerular diseases in a Hispanic population: review of a regional renal biopsy database. Sao Paulo Med J. 2009;127(3):140-4.
[PubMed link][Free full text]).
This disease is responsible approximately for 21-35% of NS cases in adults
and 1,5-9% in children. Many series show greater frequency of MGN in male patients, with a
male:female relation of 2:1.

The presence of immunoglobulins (Igs) and complement components in capillary walls

(subepithelial), and the morphologic and immunopathologic similarities between the experimental
MGN and immunological glomerular diseases support the concept that MGN is an immune
complexes mediated disease. The deposits come from circulating immune complexes in some cases,
but in the majority they correspond to in situ formation by circulating antibodies that recognize
native antigens of the glomerulus or antigens foreign to it that have been deposited there.

Membranous nephropathy most likely is a heterogeneous disease, although a common denominator

may be that podocytes provide antigenic targets for in-situ formation of glomerular immune
deposits.

Many years ago it has been well-known the morphologic similarities between MGN and the
Heymann’s experimental nephritis. In this experimental model, rats are immunized against antigens
of the renal cortex; the animals develop a disease clinical and morphologically similar to MGN.

Initial studies of this model suggested that the subepithelial deposits resulted from glomerular
trapping of circulating immune complexes formed by circulating brush-border related antigens and
the corresponding antibodies. This hypothesis was based on the observation that the glomerular
disease was induced by fractions of membrane prepared from rat renal brush-border, not from
glomerular extracts. Subsequently, the development of the model of passive HN in rats that received
an injection of rabbit anti-rat brush-border antibodies led to the suggestion that subepithelial
immune deposits could be formed without the intervention of circulating immune complexes. Other
authors demonstrated that anti-brush-border antibodies could bind glomeruli in the absence of
circulating brush-border-related antigen, which provided the proof of principle that immune
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complex formation occurred in situ. Definitive evidence establishing the role of in situ immune
complex formation in the glomerular capillary wall required identification of the antigen. As a
historical data, an autoantigenic target in the rat disease was identified by Kerjaschki and Farquhar
(Kerjaschki D, Farquhar MG: Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 79 : 5557 –5561, 1982 [PubMed link] [Free Full Text]
/ Kerjaschki D, Farquhar MG. J Exp Med 157 : 667 –686, 1983 [PubMed link] [Free Full text]) in the early
1980s as the podocyte membrane protein now called megalin. The polyspecific receptor megalin, a
member of the LDL-receptor superfamily, is expressed with clathrin at the sole of podocyte foot
processes (where immune complexes are formed) (Ronco P, Debiec H. Molecular pathomechanisms of
membranous nephropathy: from Heymann nephritis to alloimmunization. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2005;16(5):1205-
13. [PubMed link][Full Text link]).

In the human MGN in very few cases has been demonstrated antibodies against brush border
antigens. In the Seventies, a Japanese group demonstrated location of tubular antigens in the
immune deposits of patients with MGN (Naruse T et al, J Exp Med 144:1347-62, 1976 [PubMed link] [Free full text]),
nevertheless, groups of other centers have not found such finding (Collins AB, et al, Nephron 27:297-301, 1981
[PubMed link]; Thorpe LW y Cavallo T, J Clin Lab Immunol 3:125-127, 1980 [PubMed link]; Whitworth JA, et al, Clin Nephrol 5:159-
162, 1976 [PubMed link]).
At the present the evidence suggests that the antigen-antibody complex (Ags-
Acs) of the Heymann’s nephritis has not roll in human MGN. The variety of Ags-Acs associated
with secondary forms of MGN suggests that in idiopathic forms of the disease the morphologic
presentation is common to many Ags-Acs complexes.

Neutral endopeptidase - a podocyte antigen that can digest biologically active peptides - was
identified as the target antigen of antibodies deposited in the subepithelial space of glomeruli in a
subset of patients with antenatal membranous nephropathy. The mothers became immunized
because they are deficient in neutral endopeptidase due to truncating mutations in the gene (Ronco P,
Debiec H. New insights into the pathogenesis of membranous glomerulonephritis. Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens. 2006;15:258-63.
[PubMed link])

More recently (in a paper published in July 2009), a group carried out Western blotting of protein
extracts from normal human glomeruli with serum samples from patients with membranous
nephropathy, and found that a majority of patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy have
antibodies against a conformation-dependent epitope in M-type phospholipase A2 receptor
(PLA2R), indicating that PLA2R is a major antigen in this disease" (Beck LH, et al. M-Type Phospholipase A2
Receptor as Target Antigen in Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy. N Engl J Med. 2009;361(1):11-21. [Extract link]). A recent
work (2010) reported co-localization of specific anti-aldose reductase (AR) and anti-manganese
superoxide dismutase (SOD2) with IgG4 and C5b-9 in electron-dense podocyte immune deposits.
The data support AR and SOD2 as renal antigens of human MN and suggest that oxidative stress
may drive glomerular SOD2 expression (Prunotto M, et al. Autoimmunity in membranous nephropathy targets aldose
reductase and SOD2. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2010;21(3):507-19. [PubMed link]).

Neutral endopeptidase and PLA2R are two antigens

that, in nonpathologic conditions, localize at
the podocyte membrane. However, anti-NEP antibody levels in adults with membranous
nephropathy have not been found to be different from apparently healthy controls, suggesting that
they are not involved in adult idiopathic MN. In this light, anti-NEP determination in patients seems
without practical value. Data for anti-PLA2R specificity seem solid and their assessment may be
extremely useful for clinicians, helping to differentiate between idiopathic and secondary forms of
the disease (Murtas C, et al. Circulating antipodocyte antibodies in membranous nephropathy: new
findings. Am J Kidney Dis. 2013;62(1):12-5.
[PubMed link]).

In 2014, Tomas NM et al published that aproximately 2.5 to 5% of the patients with idiopathic
membranous nephropathy whom we evaluated had autoantibodies against thrombospondin type-1
domain-containing 7A (THSD7A), which corresponds to 8 to 14% of the patients who are
seronegative for anti-PLA2R1 antibodies. THSD7A was initially characterized as an endothelial
protein that is expressed in the placental vasculature.  The authors found that THSD7A is
concentrated at the basal aspect of the podocyte, colocalizing with nephrin, and they did not find
any expression in glomerular endothelial cells. (Tomas NM, Beck LH, 0Meyer-Schwesinger C, et al.
Thrombospondin Type-1 Domain-Containing 7A in Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy. N Engl J Med 2014;
371:2277-87 [Article on NEJM - link]; Alsharhan L, Beck LH Jr. Membranous Nephropathy: Core Curriculum
2021. Am J Kidney Dis. 2021 Mar;77(3):440-453. [PubMed link] [Free full text]). Other targets antigens

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causing MN have been described more recently: exotosin 1 (EXT1) - exotosin 2 (EXT2), NELL1,
Sema3B, and PCDH7 (Sethi S. New 'Antigens' in Membranous Nephropathy. J Am Soc Nephrol.
2021 Feb;32(2):268-278. [PubMed link] )

In MGN is necessary activation of the complement system for NS development, with formation of
MAC (C5b-9) (Groggel GC, et al, J Clin Invest 72:1948-1957, 1983 [PubMed link] [Free full text]), which supports a
cytolitic roll of the complement in this disease.

Additionally, there is evidence suggesting that, at least in a some cases, the immune complexes form
elsewhere and after they are trapped in the subepithelial space. In favor of this last concept is the
demonstration of circulating immune complexes (CICs) in a number of patients with MGN: 23-66%
according to different series and techniques for detection.

MGN and hepatitis B: The most frequent glomerulopathy in patients infected with hepatitis B virus
is MGN followed by membranoproliferative GN. The antigens Core (HBcAg) and e (HBeAg) seem
the most important in the pathogenesis of hepatitis B-associated MGN. In these cases the antigens,
or their antibodies, are identified in the glomerular immune deposits. It is not clear what is first
deposited: the Ag., the Ac. or the Ag-Ac complex previously formed (circulating). Prevalence of
MGN in the infection is not known, but in children with MGN the carrier stage is detected in around
20% of cases, with higher rates in endemic countries. In adults the percentage of patients with MGN
carrying hepatitis B virus is lower than in children. In GNM cases associated with this infection
there are more frequently mesangial hypercellularity, endocapillary proliferation, subendothelial
immune deposits, and tubuloreticular endothelial structures (electron microscopy). It is frequent that
appears with hypocomplementemia. The prognosis of MGN in hepatitis B patients seem more
favorable, with most frequency of remission and less probability of evolution to terminal renal
damage.

MGN and hepatitis C: In this infection disease also secondary MGN can appear, although
membranoproliferative GN is more frequent. In many studies have not been identified antigens of
the virus, or Acs against these, in the glomerular deposits. Clinic expression can be similar to
idiopathic MGN or it may appear with asymptomatic proteinuria.

Congenital Syphilis: MGN is a rare complication in congenital syphilis, but it is a well-recognized

cause of NS in children with this infection. Other glomerular disease in congenital syphilis include
nephritic syndrome and crescentic GN with rapidly progressive disease. We have seen cases with
these types of glomerular disease and there is a dramatic improvement with the antibiotic treatment.
Several studies have demonstrated the presence of antigens of Treponema pallidum in the immune
glomerular deposits.

In SLE the histopathologic presentation is very variable and there is combination of morphologic
changes: MGN with subendothelial deposits, endocapillary and/or mesangial proliferation,
crescents, combination with characteristics of membranoproliferative GN, and other patterns. In the
most recent lupus nephritis classification, pure MGN (class V) is only diagnosed if there are no
other active lesions; if there is combination with active lesions it is diagnosed as combination of
class V and class III or IV only if there are lesions with membranous characteristics in more than
50% of the tuft in more than 50% of glomeruli. Occasional subepithelial deposits and “spikes”
formation are very frequent in class III and IV lupus nephritis. In most of these cases we find C1q
glomerular deposits.

MGN and neoplasms: The neoplasms more frequently associated with MGN are lung, breast,
colon, stomach and kidney carcinomas, leukemia and lymphomas (Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s),
but there is information of MGN in many other cancer types. Incidence of cancer in patients with
MGN is approximately 1%. The histologic and immunopathologic findings and the clinical
presentation are similar to those of idiopathic forms of MGN. The association between MGN and
neoplasms is supported by the clinical course, the immune response of the host to the tumor and the
glomerular pathology, nevertheless, in very few cases is documented an antigen of the tumor, or its
antibody, in glomerular deposits. It is possible that the immune response against the neoplasm, in a
propitious genetic context, allow the development of MGN. The prognosis of the glomerulopathy

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depend on that of the neoplasm. If there are treatment and response of this last one, the MGN tends
to disappear.

See Case 144 of our Case Series: MGN asociated to B cell small lymphocytic lymphoma.

Other diseases associated with MGN are: drugs or toxins (gold, penicillamine, mercury, captopril,
etc.), other infections (parasitic, Streptococcus), other autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis,
pemphigus, primary biliary cirrhosis, autoimmune enteropathy, Hashimoto’s disease, Graves’
disease, and so on), diabetes, sarcoydosis, cryoglobulinemia, and sick cell disease.

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Clinical features: The most frequent presentation is proteinuria in nephrotic range, with or without
the other findings of the complete NS. In a variable percentage of cases present as asymptomatic
proteinuria. There is microscopic hematuria in most of patients, but macrohematuria is rare.
Exceptionally it can appear with isolated hematuria. The renal function can be slightly altered at the
time of the diagnosis in many cases, but renal failure is unusual at presentation. In 25-33% of the
cases systemic hypertension is documented. MGN may appear to any age, with predilection by 4º
and 5º decades of the life.

The clinical course of MGN is very variable, in many patients there is a favorable course;
approximately 25% of patients will have partial or complete spontaneous remission, although, until
29% of them will present recurrence. Around 50% of patients will not present alteration of the renal
function. In a small number of cases there will be a fast loss of renal function or death. This variable
evolution makes difficult interpretation of clinical trials or treatment response. Treatment with
steroids, clorambucil or other immunosuppressors has shown contradictory results; it does not exist
at the present moment an universally accepted treatment.

Cases of post-transplant recurrent MGN have been informed, but, there are no large series that allow
determining with precision the percentage of post-transplant recurrence. Since renal transplant
receptors are susceptible to many causes of secondary MGN, an underlying or associated cause
must be looked for. Histologically is not possible to differentiate between recurrent MGN and de
novo MGN in a transplanted kidney; for this differentiation the histologic study in the native kidney
is indispensable (pre-transplant).

Laboratory findings: Proteinuria is generally in nephrotic range and in many cases it is massive
(>10 g/24h). There are, in addition, in most of cases, the other findings of the complete NS
(hypoalbuminemia, hypercholesterolemia). Proteinuria usually is nonselective. Mmicrohematuria is
common and macrohematuria is unusual. In many cases there is slight increase of serum creatinine
and BUN, and in until 75% of cases there is reduction of the glomerular filtration rate. There is no
hypocomplementemia (at least in idiopathic forms) and in many cases increased levels of MAC
(C5b-C9) are documented. As was previously expressed, in a high percentage of cases circulating
immune complexes are detected, although, as detection of increased levels of MAC, it has few
importance for the differential diagnosis, since they are not specific.

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Histopathology

The characteristic changes in MGN are in the glomerular capillary walls. The initial phase of the
glomerulopathy is marked by subepithelial granular deposits: in the external part of the GBM,
between this one and podocyte cytoplasm. Initially these deposits do not generate reaction of the
GBM and therefore it is improbable that they are detected with light microscopy. In few cases the
deposits are as large as to be seen with light microscopy with a good section and a good trichrome
stain; they appear fuchsinophilic (red), sometimes homogenously spaced, and in the external part of
the basement membrane (Figure 3); in order to see them thin histologic sections are needed and to
observe with high power using immersion oil. In tangential sections of the GBM, with
methenamine-silver stain, in some cases, a mottled aspect or very small orifices (“holes”) can be
observed; them correspond to depressions originated by the subepithelial deposits (Figure 4), better

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observed with scanning electron microscope. This phase of the MGN evolution is called: STAGE I,
the diagnosis can be missed if we do not have immunofluorescence (IF) or electron microscopy
(EM); these deposits are immune and will be positive for IgG and, in most of cases, for C3, in
addition, they are electron-dense. Without IF or EM it is very probable that we can not diagnose this
stage, and possibly we will think in minimal change disease.

In STAGE II the histologic findings with light microscopy allow an easier diagnosis. The
glomerular architecture is preserved and the capillary walls appear thickened with routine stains
(Figure 1). The cellularity usually is not increased (if present it suggests a secondary MGN) and the
capillary lumina are ample. There is formation of material with similar aspect to the GBM (although
with different composition) that projects perpendicularly to this one: “spikes” (Figure 2). These
spikes are originated in reaction to the deposits and go progressively surrounding them. This
material is composed of type IV collagen and noncollagenous components: laminin, proteoglycans
and vitronectin, and could be originated by mediators produced by the podocyte or another
mechanism that stimulates changes in the GBM. In some sections are well observed the spaces or
holes that produce the immune deposits in the outer aspect of the GBM, with the center of the hole
corresponding to the immune deposit and the periphery to the GBM-like material. In some cases
these holes have an irregular form that gives a reticulated aspect to the GBM (Figure 4). In some
cases we find segmental cellular proliferation (Figure 5), but in these cases we must consider the
possibility of a secondary MGN; in other cases there will also be segmental and focal sclerosing
lesions (Figure 6).

Figure 1. In GNM the alterations are demonstrated, mainly, in the capillary walls; here they appear thickened and with rigid aspect
(green arrows). In some cases we find variable degrees of mesangial hypercellularity (blue arrows), in these cases we must consider the
possibility of a secondary MGN. (H&E, X.400).

Figure 2. The characteristic finding that allows the diagnosis in most of cases are the perpendicular projections in the outer aspect of the
GBM, seen with silver stain (arrows). In initial stages when spikes are not still formed may not be possible to do the diagnosis without
immunofluorescence or electron microscopy. (Methenamine-silver, X1000).

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Figure 3. In cases of large subepithelial deposits is possible, in thin sections and with a good trichrome stain, to see the immune deposits
with a characteristic red color (fuchsinophilic) (arrows). Even in initial stages, without “spikes”, this finding allows us to make the
diagnosis of MGN. Unfortunately it is not frequent to see these deposits with light microscopy (Masson’s trichrome, X1000)..

Figure 4. In sections in which the GBM appears tangential it is possible to see spaces or holes (arrows); these holes are due to the
presence of immune deposits, negative with the silver, surrounded by BGM-like (positive with the silver). Many of these holes correspond
to deposits completely surrounded by the “spikes”. (Methenamine-silver, X1000).

Figure 5. With PAS stain the thickening of capillary walls is evidenced; there is no a noticeable mesangial widening. In this case there is
also a segment with endocapillary proliferation (arrows); this finding must suggest the possibility of a secondary MGN. (PAS, X.400).

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Figure 6. In some cases there are sclerosing segmental lesions (arrows). This finding not necessarily indicates a worse prognosis (PAS,
X.400).

When advancing the process the material that forms the spikes increases and surround completely
the deposits, forming thus new layers of GBM leaving the deposits immersed in this material. Now
the deposits are seen intramembranous and with silver stain capillary walls can take an aspect in
“chain” or “rosary”. This evolution point of the glomerular changes is known as STAGE III. The
deposits continue being positive with the immunostaining (IF), although progressively they are less
electron-dense (Figures 7 and 8).

Figure 7. When advancing the process of the disease the parietal immune deposits are progressively surrounded by GBM-like material,
which gives an irregular aspect in chain or “rosary” to the GBM (arrows); these findings characterize stage III of the MGN. According to
the predominant alteration in the capillary we diagnose the lesions as stage I, II, III, or IV. (Methenamine-silver, X1000).

Figure 8. In this microphotography is possible demonstrate better the capillary wall lesions in stage III MGN; see as the material that
appears in the external part of the GBM (black with the silver) forms circles or ring that completely surrounds the immune deposits
(arrows). (Methenamine-silver, X1000).

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In STAGE IV the GBM is irregularly thickened, without the presence of electron-dense deposits or
holes. In this phase it is considered that the deposits have been resorpted leaving this irregular
aspect. In these cases the diagnosis is sustained by the presence of other areas with lesions in stage
II or III.

In many cases there is a mixed appearance, with areas presenting several stages. In order to classify
these cases a good observation is required to determine the dominant pattern.

The histopathologic stages are progressive, nevertheless, although they present some correlation
with the clinical evolution of the disease, there is no a perfect correlation between the stage and the
prognosis. Remissions in anyone of this stages is possible, and progression to chronic renal failure
has been described in stages I and II. It is not clear if these stages evolve in periods of time more or
less determined. In Figure 9 appears the scheme of the different stages of MGN.

Figure 9. This scheme represents the characteristics of the different MGN stages. In stage I (blue dark arrows) the deposits have still not
generated reaction in the GBM and therefore they are not accompanied by spikes. In stage II the reaction produced in the outer aspect of
the GBM is seen as perpendicular projections: “spikes” that try to surround the deposits (green arrows). In stage III the GBM-like
material has surrounded completely the deposits (red arrows). And in stage IV the GBM is very thickened and irregular and the deposits
have disappeared almost completely (blue clear arrows). (Scheme on a microphotography of a section stained with Masson’s trichrome,
X1000).

Other changes described in MGN are segmental sclerosis, lobulation of the tuft, mesangial
hypercellularity, presence of inflammatory cells and necrosis, nevertheless, in these cases we must
suspect a secondary form. In some works have been documented coexistence of MGN and IgA
nephropathy, MGN and diabetes, and MGN and crescentic GN. Occasionally there are cases of
MGN with crescents, in these cases the course is severe with poor prognosis; in several of these
cases antibodies anti-GBM have been detected.

The spikes formation in GBM is “almost” diagnostic of MGN, nevertheless, I have seen some cases
in which the similar aspect has generated confusion: amyloidosis with extensive formation of
perpendicular projections in the GBM outer aspect, fibrillary and immunotactoid GN, and lecithin
cholesterol acyl transferase deficiency.

The interstitium, tubules and vessel show unspecific changes. Frequently droplets of protein
resorption or vacuolated aspect are observed in the tubular cells cytoplasm. Interstitial fibrosis and
tubular atrophy correlate with the severity of the chronic damage and they are good prognosis
indicators, reason why they would be quantified or semiquantified (mild - moderate - severe). The
causes of tubulointerstitial damage, like in many glomerulopatías, seem to be related to alteration of
the glomerular circulation and secondary atrophy. Proteinuria also can play an important role in the
tubular damage.

Immunofluorescence

The characteristic immunopathologic picture is granular parietal IgG positivity, accompanied by C3

deposits in approximately 75% of cases. The IgG immunostaining usually is more intense than C3.
The staining can be seen as large grains or densely grouped fine grains that gives a pseudolinear
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aspect. Observing in detail, it can be demonstrated that these deposits are located towards the
external part of the GBM or “transmembrane”. Other immunoglobulins can also be identified in a
minority of cases, specially IgM and IgA. As previously expressed, C1q or C4 deposits force to
study a secondary cause of MGN; the same possibility must be considered if there are mesangial
deposits.

IgG4 sub-class is the most frequent, this sub-class fixes poorly the complement and this would
explain the weakest C3 staining (Doi T et al, Clin Exp Immunol 58:57-62, 1984 [PubMed link]; Nöel LH, et al, Clin Immunol
Immunopathol 46:186-194, 1988 [PubMed link]).

Figure 10. MGN is characterized, immunopathologically, by IgG granular capillary wall deposits and, in most of cases, C3 in the same
location. In thin sections is possible, in many cases, to determine the location of the immune deposits in the external part of the GBM. If
we also find subendothelial deposits we must think about the possibility of a secondary MGN. In both images we can see a characteristic
appearance of the subepithelial deposits, which we sometimes describe as "reticular aspect". (Immunofluorescence with antibodies anti-
IgG marked with fluorescein, X400).

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Figure 11. In some cases of MGN the parietal deposits are granules that seem to protrude towards the outside of the capillaries (as in the
photo above). Other times we may find that the deposits are very small grains, densely grouped, that give a pseudolinear aspect (as in the
bottom photo). At high power it is possible to determine the granular nature of the deposits and does not confuse them with linear
deposits. (Immunofluorescence with antibodies anti-IgG marked with fluorescein, X400).

Electron microscopy

There are electron-dense deposits in the epithelial aspect (external) of the GBM, between this one
and the epithelial cell: subepithelials or epimembranous. These deposits are usually diffuse and
homogenously distributed, but they can be, in some cases, irregularly distributed. Spikes are
demonstrated as irregular projections of the GBM among the subepithelial deposits; with
progression of the disease these projections become longer and surround the deposits incorporating
them in a thickened GBM. The deposits are amorphous; the presence of organized deposits must
alert of a possible lupus nephritis. These deposits lose their electron density until disappear in the
advanced stages of the process. Like in many other diseases with NS, there is a variable loss or
effacement of podocyte foot processes. In some cases, more frequently secondary, there are dense
deposits in mesangium. (Image of MGN stage II (link) - More EM images (link)

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Figure 12a. Left: electron-dense deposits on the outside of the basement membrane, without reaction of this around the deposits: Stage I.
Right: deposits surrounded laterally by material similar to that of the basement membrane ("spikes"): Stage II. Original magnification,
X4,000. (Images courtesy of Dr. Carlos A, Jiménez).

Figure 12b. Left: Electron-dense deposits are completely surrounded by basement membrane-like material, giving the appearance of
being "embedded" within a very thick and irregular basement membrane: Stage III. Right: the glomerular basement membrane is thick
and irregular and electron-dense deposits have almost disappeared: Stage IV. Original magnification: left, X4,000, right, X6,000. (Images
courtesy of Dr. Carlos A, Jiménez). Note the extensive loss of pedicels in the four previous images.

Prognostic markers

Like in most glomerulopathies, serum creatinine increase at diagnosis, severe proteinuria (>10
g/24h), arterial hypertension, and chronic tubulointerstitial damage has been related, in greater or
smaller measurement, with a greater risk of evolution to terminal renal failure. Some works suggest
better prognosis if proteinuria is selective.
In secondary forms there is, in general, a better prognosis if the associate cause has successful
treatment. In children the prognosis seems better. In some series there is better prognosis for
women. Also the histopathologic stages show correlation with the evolution, although this
correlation is not perfect as was previously expressed.

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Recent bibliography
Alsharhan L, Beck LH Jr. Membranous Nephropathy: Core Curriculum 2021. Am J Kidney Dis. 2021
Mar;77(3):440-453. [PubMed link] [Free full text]
Sethi S. New 'Antigens' in Membranous Nephropathy. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2021 Feb;32(2):268-278.
[PubMed link]
Cattran DC, Brenchley PE. Membranous nephropathy: integrating basic science into improved
clinical management. Kidney Int. 2017 Jan 5. doi: 10.1016/j.kint.2016.09.048. [Epub ahead of print]
[PubMed link]
Steinmetz OM, Panzer U, Harendza S, Stahl RA. A Mechanism for Cancer-Associated Membranous
Nephropathy. N Engl J Med. 2016;374(20):1995-6. [PubMed link]

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Francis JM, Beck LH Jr, Salant DJ. Membranous Nephropathy: A Journey From Bench to Bedside.
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Tomas NM, Beck LH, 0Meyer-Schwesinger C, et al. Thrombospondin Type-1 Domain-Containing 7A
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