[A study of the relation of the expression of beta-microglobulin and hepatocytic lesions in hepatitis B]

Beta 2-Microglobulin expression on hepatocyte membrane was studied in 117 liver biopsies from patients with acute and chronic hepatitis B and in 11 subjects with normal liver function, using immunohistochemical PAP method. In normal liver beta 2-microglobulin could not be detected on hepatocyte membrane, compared with that in subjects with normal liver, in asymptomatic HBsAg carrier and in patients with chronic persistent hepatitis, there is significant enhancement of beta 2-microglobulin expression in patients with acute mild hepatitis and chronic mild active hepatitis. Beta 2-Microglobulin expression in patients with chronic active hepatitis with moderate to severe activity and cirrhosis has a significant enhancement, when compared with acute mild hepatitis and chronic mild active hepatitis. Moreover, location of beta 2-microglobulin expression on hepatocyte membrane was associated with lesion of hepatocytes. Enhanced expression of beta 2-microglobulin on hepatocyte membrane in acute and chronic hepatitis B probably reflects enhanced display of HLA-ABC antigens and may influence the course of hepatitis B virus infection by increasing susceptibility of T cell-mediated hepatocytelysis.