Myofibroblast-like cells produce mRNA for type I and III procollagens in chronic active hepatitis.
In chronic active hepatitis the rate of collagen biosynthesis is largely determined by intracellular mRNA concentrations. To localize procollagen mRNA-producing cells, we investigated biopsy specimens from five patients with hepatitis B surface antigen-positive chronic active hepatitis and five patients without liver disease by in situ hybridization. We used type I and III procollagen cDNAs for transcription to (35S)-labeled probes. Parallel sections were stained with anti-actin monoclonal antibodies. Our results show that cells in which collagen synthesis is ostensibly enhanced can be localized by in situ hybridization of procollagen mRNAs. These cells were also anti-actin-positive in parallel sections and were localized in areas of inflammatory cell infiltration and necrosis. We conclude that myofibroblast-like cells may express procollagen mRNAs in chronic active hepatitis. Moreover, in situ hybridization may be a valuable diagnostic tool for providing additional morphologic information on the degree of fibrogenesis activity.
Högemann
B
B
Dept. of Medicine B, University of Münster, Germany.
Gillessen
A
A
Böcker
W
W
Rauterberg
J
J
Domschke
W
W
D000199:Actins / Q000032:analysis; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000378:metabolism; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000235:genetics*; D006521:Hepatitis, Chronic / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011347:Procollagen / Q000235:genetics*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis*
D000199:Actins; D011347:Procollagen; D012333:RNA, Messenger