title: Expression of beta 2-microglobulin on hepatocytes in acute and chronic type B hepatitis.
abstract: beta 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 beta 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, beta 2-microglobulin-positive hepatocytes were mainly observed in perivenular areas in association with bridging necrosis. In chronic hepatitis, beta 2-microglobulin-positive hepatocytes were observed mainly in periportal zones and in some areas of lobular activity. Diffuse-enhanced display of beta 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 beta 2-microglobulin display is enhanced on hepatocytes in patients not treated with interferon is uncertain. However, display of beta 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 affected cells to T cell-mediated immune attack.
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D002353:Carrier State / Q000473:pathology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000473:pathology*; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology*; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin