Detection of alpha-1-antitrypsin in hepatocytes in acute and chronic hepatitis.
Twelve of sixteen consecutive needle biopsies of liver with either acute or chronic hepatitis showed positive immunohistochemical staining for alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT). Only two of the positive biopsies contained numerous, large periodic acid-Schiff positive, diastase resistant (PAS-D) globules in periportal hepatocytes; both patients were Pi MZ but only one had a low serum AAT concentration. The other 15 patients had normal or elevated serum AAT. The accumulation of AAT in hepatocytes, demonstrated by sensitive immunohistochemical staining, may indicate increased synthesis and/or impaired secretion of AAT occurring in association with various types of hepatitis.
Hall
P
P
Department of Pathology, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide.
Herrmann
R
R
Brennan
J
J
Mackinnon
M
M
D000208:Acute Disease; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006505:Hepatitis / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008099:Liver / Q000032:analysis*; D000515:alpha 1-Antitrypsin / Q000032:analysis*
D000515:alpha 1-Antitrypsin