Argument for the Classical Concept:

Immunological Disturbances   

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Many immunologic functions are disturbed in glomerulonephritis. The number of a special type of white blood cells, the T-cells may be lowered and their function may be imperfect. Also other kinds of white blood cells do a bad work, and the production of antibodies is decreased or abnormal (Ravnskov 1985). For instance, antibodies may be produced that are directed against the patients own tissue, in particular against components of the renal cells, a condition called auto-immunity. These findings clearly indicate that a disturbance of the immune system is an important factor in the causation of the disease.

Counter-Argument

Disturbances of the immune system are in accord with both hypotheses because almost all chemicals that have been associated with glomerulonephritis, inhibit or derange the immune system (Ravnskov 1985). Again, immunological processes may participate in the creation of glomerulonephritis, but they are not necessarily the very cause.

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