Immune complexes (black) are deposited in a thickened basement membrane creating a "spike and dome" appearance on electron microscopy.<unk>  is caused by immune complex formation in the glomerulus. The immune complexes are formed by binding of antibodies to antigens in the glomerular basement membrane. The antigens may be part of the basement membrane, or deposited from elsewhere by the systemic circulation. The immune complex serves as an activator that triggers a response from the C5b - C9 complements, which form a membrane attack complex (MAC) on the glomerular epithelial cells. This, in turn, stimulates release of proteases and oxidants by the mesangial and epithelial cells, damaging the capillary walls and causing them to become "leaky". In addition, the epithelial cells also seem to secrete an unknown mediator that reduces nephrin synthesis and distribution. Within<unk> , especially in cases caused by viral hepatitis, serum C3 levels are low. Similar to other causes of nephrotic syndrome (e.g., focal segmental glomerulosclerosis or minimal change disease),<unk>  nephropathy is known to predispose affected individuals to develop blood clots such as pulmonary emboli.<unk>  nephropathy in particular is known to increase this risk more than other causes of nephrotic syndrome though the reason for this is not yet clear.
Membranous glomerulonephritis
Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis
Focal proliferative nephritis
Transplant glomerulopathy
Mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis
Diffuse proliferative nephritis
Minimal mesangial glomerulonephritis
IgA nephropathy