Detection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA sequences in liver tissue by in situ hybridization.
In situ hybridization was used to identify the cell types infected by hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the liver. Using an antisense HCV-RNA probe from the 5' non-coding region, HCV-RNAs molecules were detected in liver sections of 4/11 patients with chronic hepatitis C. These 4 positive subjects were also infected by HIV. HCV-RNA-positive strands were detected in scattered hepatocytes as well as in cells identified as mononuclear cells within the inflammatory infiltrates. HCV-RNA negative strands, likely replicative intermediates, were also detected in these cells. This study therefore indicates that replication of HCV may occur in both hepatocytes and mononuclear liver cells.
Lamas
E
E
INSERM U-75, CHU Necker, Paris, France.
Baccarini
P
P
Housset
C
C
Kremsdorf
D
D
Bréchot
C
C
D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D008099:Liver / Q000382:microbiology*; D015347:RNA Probes; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis*
D000956:Antigens, Viral; D015347:RNA Probes; D012367:RNA, Viral