What is the primary function of the glomerular basement membrane (GBM) in the nephrotic syndrome?
1) Preventing the passage of red blood cells
2) Regulating ion transport
3) Preventing the passage of proteins
4) Maintaining the structure of the renal corpuscle
π Explanation:
The GBM is a critical component of the glomerular filtration barrier that normally prevents the passage of proteins into the urine. In the nephrotic syndrome, there are alterations in the GBM that lead to increased permeability and loss of proteins, particularly albumin, into the glomerular filtrate.