Primary biliary cirrhosis is associated with specific changes in liver IgG-bearing cell subpopulations.
OBJECTIVE
The density of total IgG-bearing cells and the distribution of their subclasses were studied in the liver of patients with primary biliary cirrhosis.


METHODS
Immunohistochemistry and computerized image analysis were used to compare liver specimens from 18 patients with primary biliary cirrhosis and 28 with chronic hepatitis of different etiology.


RESULTS
The density of total IgG-bearing cells was similar in the two groups. However, in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis the proportion of IgG3-positive cells was significantly higher than in patients with chronic hepatitis (53 +/- 7% vs. 7.5 +/- 2.4%) (p < 10(-8)). Conversely, IgG1-positive cells were significantly less prevalent in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis than in chronic hepatitis patients (27 +/- 6.9% vs. 68 +/- 7.2%, p < 10(-8)). Stratification of patients with primary biliary cirrhosis according to histology did not show any difference in the distribution of IgG subclasses associated with the progression of disease.


CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest a pathogenetic role of local IgG3-bearing cells in primary biliary cirrhosis.
Torgano
G
G
Department of Internal Medicine, Ospedale Policlinico, Milano, Italy.
Vecchi
M
M
Podda
M
M
Zuin
M
M
Arosio
E
E
Battezzati
P M
PM
de Franchis
R
R
D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000032:analysis; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002452:Cell Count; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008099:Liver / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D008105:Liver Cirrhosis, Biliary / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male
D001323:Autoantibodies; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies; D007074:Immunoglobulin G