NECROSIS OF HEPATOCYTES WITH HEPATITIS-B SURFACE-ANTIGEN - OCCURRENCE IN A CHRONIC HEPATITIS-B SURFACE-ANTIGEN CARRIER

  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 101  (6) , 280-285
Abstract
Light and electron microscope findings from the liver of a chronic human carrier of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) showed small lymphocytes and macrophages in close contact with liver cells, partial lysis of variable degrees, lytic necrosis, and the complete loss of a few hepatocytes with HBsAg in the cytoplasm. On the basis of these findings, together with the results from immunofluorescence study, the pathogenesis of hepatitis B is discussed, with emphasis on the importance of host cellular immune response. The cytopathic and cytolytic activities of immunologically activated T [thymus-derived] lymphocytes against liver cells that have antigenic targets associated with HBsAg at their surface and in the cytoplasm are discussed.

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