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Expression of β 2 −microglobulin on hepatocytes in acute and chronic type B hepatitis
Author(s) -
Nagafuchi Yukihisa,
Scheuer Professor Peter J.
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
hepatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.488
H-Index - 361
eISSN - 1527-3350
pISSN - 0270-9139
DOI - 10.1002/hep.1840060105
Subject(s) - beta 2 microglobulin , medicine , hepatitis , hepatocyte , cirrhosis , interferon , immunoperoxidase , hepatitis b , immunology , pathology , antibody , biology , in vitro , monoclonal antibody , biochemistry
β 2 −Microglobulin display was examined in 131 liver biopsies from patients with acute and chronic type B hepatitis, using an indirect immunoperoxidase method. Enhanced expression of β 2 −microglobulin on hepatocyte membranes was observed in patients with acute hepatitis, chronic active hepatitis with moderate to severe activity and cirrhosis, when compared with normal liver. In acute hepatitis, β 2 −microglobulin‐positive hepatocytes were mainly observed in perivenular areas in association with bridging necrosis. In chronic hepatitis, β 2 −microglobulin‐positive hepatocytes were observed mainly in periportal zones and in some areas of lobular activty. Diffuse‐enhanced display of β 2 −microglobulin on hepatocytes was observed in 5 of 6 patients treated with lymphoblastoid interferon as part of a trial of antiviral therapy. The mechanism by which β 2 −microglobulin display is enhanced on hepatocytes in patients not treated with interferon is uncertain. However, display of β 2 −microglobulin on hepatocytes probably reflects display of HLA‐A, B and C antigens and may influence the course of hepatitis B virus infection by increasing susceptibility of the affectedcells to T cell‐mediated immune attack.