SOLUBLE INTERLEUKIN-2 RECEPTORS AND BETA-2-MICROGLOBULIN IN PATIENTS WITH PRIMARY GLOMERULONEPHRITIS

Serum levels of soluble interleukin-2 receptors (IL2R) and of beta2-microglobulin (beta2M) were studied with the immunoenzymatic technique in 38 patients with primary glomerulonephritis (GN), in 10 patients with essential hypertension (EH) and in 30 healthy subjects. IL2R correlated with beta2M (p < 0.05). IL2R and beta2M were higher in patients with GN (p < 0.003, p < 0.001, respectively) and in patients with EH (p < 0.003, p < 0.01, respectively) than in healthy subjects. IL2R and beta2M Correlated with serum creatinine, but not with proteinuria. Our data would suggest the existence of lymphocyte activation in patients with GN. Only speculations can be advanced with regard to the observed increase in these parameters in patients.