Necrosis of the hepatocytes with hepatitis B surface antigen. Occurrence in a chronic hepatitis B surface antigen carrier.
Light and electron microscope finding from a liver of a chronic carrier of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) showed small lymphocytes and macrophages in close contact with liver cells, partial lysis of variable degrees, lytic necrosis, and the complete loss of a few hepatocytes with HBsAg in the cytoplasm. On the basis of these findings, together with the results from immunofluorescence study, the pathogenesis of hepatitis B is discussed, with emphasis on the importance of host cellular immune response. The cytopathic and cytolytic activities of immunologically activated T lymphocytes against liver cells that have antigenic targets associated with HBsAg at their surface and in the cytoplasm are discussed.
D000328:Adult; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002843:Chromatin / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003593:Cytoplasm / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008297:Male; D009336:Necrosis; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology
D002843:Chromatin; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens