The aims of this study were to determine the role of interstitial and glomerular myofibroblasts in the progression of various glomerulonephritis, and to assess the value of myofibroblasts in determining long-term renal outcome. The biopsy specimens of 42 primary glomerulonephritis cases were reviewed and stained immunohistochemically with alpha smooth muscle actin antibody. The serum creatine level was compared to the pathological changes. The interstitial alpha smooth muscle actin staining correlated with the serum creatine level at the time of biopsy. The glomerular staining, conversely, did not show any relation with renal function. Interstitial myofibroblasts play a role in the development of progressive renal failure. Increased numbers of myofibroblasts in biopsy specimens may predict subsequent chronic renal failure.

The aims of this study were to determine the role of interstitial and glomerular myofibroblasts in the progression of various glomerulonephritis, and to assess the value of myofibroblasts in determining long-term renal outcome. The biopsy specimens of 42 primary glomerulonephritis cases were reviewed and stained immunohistochemically with alpha smooth muscle actin antibody. The serum creatine level was compared to the pathological changes. The interstitial alpha smooth muscle actin staining correlated with the serum creatine level at the time of biopsy. The glomerular staining, conversely, did not show any relation with renal function. Interstitial myofibroblasts play a role in the development of progressive renal failure. Increased numbers of myofibroblasts in biopsy specimens may predict subsequent chronic renal failure.