In nephritic syndrome, which cells are primarily affected?

In nephritic syndrome, the primary cells affected are the endothelial cells of the glomerular basement membrane (GBM). In this condition, there is inflammation in the glomeruli, often due to immune-mediated processes, which leads to changes in the structure and function of the glomerular capillaries. Specifically, the endothelial cells are compromised, which contributes to the clinical features of nephritic syndrome, such as hematuria, proteinuria, and hypertension.

The inflammation and damage to the endothelial cells result in increased permeability of the glomerular barrier, allowing red blood cells and proteins to escape into the urine. This reflects the characteristic findings seen in nephritic syndrome, which notably includes the presence of red blood cells and varying levels of protein in the urine.

Other cell types, such as podocytes and mesangial cells, also play roles in kidney function and can be implicated in different kidney diseases, but in the context of nephritic syndrome, it is mainly the endothelial cells that show significant alterations due to injury. The distal convoluted tubule cells are less relevant in the immediate context of nephritic syndrome, as they are primarily involved in the later stages of kidney function and electrolyte balance rather than in the acute inflammatory changes characteristic of this condition