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Serum concentrations of IgG, IgA and IgM and PBMC were investigated in 11 prevalently adult patients with idiopathic glomerulonephritis, five minimal change glomerulonephritis (MCGN) and six focal glomerulosclerosis (FGS) and nephrotic syndrome. Among the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) E rosette forming cells (T-cells), surface immunoglobulin bearing cells (B-cells), and T-cells with IgG Fc receptor (T gamma) were determined. In the culture supernatants of PBMC stimulated with PWM, the concentration of secreted IgG, IgA and IgM was determined by a solid phase immunofluorescence assay. After stimulation with PWM and PHA, the 3H-TdR uptake from PBMC was evaluated. In patients only the serum values of IgG were found significantly decreased. No difference was observed between patients and healthy age and sex matched controls, in percentage and absolute number of T and B-cells, whereas an increased number of T gamma was present in patients. In these patients after stimulation with PWM the production of IgG and IgA, but not IgM, and the 3H-TdR incorporation, were significantly lower than in healthy controls. These results suggest an imbalance in the cellular co-operation or an intrinsic B-cell defect in the synthesis or secretion of Ig in MCGN and FGS.