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Electron microscopy of hepatitis B virus components in chronic active liver disease
Abstract:
Eighteen liver biopsy specimens from patients with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive chronic aggressive hepatitis were studied by electron microscopy. All cases were selected on the basis of positive liver cell membrane fluorescence for HBsAg on immunohistochemical investigation. Striking changes in the morphology of the liver cell membrane were observed in nearly all cases. Furthermore, a dual aspect of hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) is described. HBcAg particles may occur as either 'naked' or 'cloudy' particles surrounded by semi electron dense material. The nature of the 'cloud' remains to be identified.
Insights
Electron microscopy revealed significant liver cell membrane changes in patients with chronic aggressive hepatitis B. Hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) particles were observed in two distinct forms, naked and cloudy, with the latter
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Electron Microscopy
Background:
- Chronic aggressive hepatitis B is a significant liver disease.
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection can lead to severe liver damage.
- Liver cell membrane alterations are implicated in hepatitis pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ultrastructural changes in liver biopsy specimens from patients with chronic aggressive hepatitis B.
- To characterize the morphology of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) within liver cells.
Main Methods:
- Electron microscopy was used to examine 18 liver biopsy specimens.
- Immunohistochemical investigation identified liver cell membrane fluorescence for HBsAg.
- Morphological analysis focused on liver cell membranes and viral antigen particles.
Main Results:
- Nearly all cases exhibited striking changes in liver cell membrane morphology.
- Hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) particles displayed a dual morphology: 'naked' and 'cloudy'.
- The 'cloudy' HBcAg particles were surrounded by semi-electron dense material of unidentified nature.
Conclusions:
- Significant alterations in liver cell membrane morphology are a key feature of chronic aggressive hepatitis B.
- HBcAg exhibits distinct structural forms, suggesting potential differences in its assembly or function.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the composition and role of the 'cloud' surrounding HBcAg particles.