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Structural and immunoreactive characteristics of hepatitis B core antigen
The American Journal of the Medical Sciences
|July 1, 1975
Summary
Ultrastructural analysis of liver tissues revealed hepatitis B core antigen in liver cells, aiding in diagnosing type B viral hepatitis. This core antigen demonstrated remarkable resistance to enzymatic and chemical degradation, confirming its diagnostic utility.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Electron Microscopy
Background:
- Type B viral hepatitis diagnosis relies on identifying hepatitis B virus (HBV) components.
- Electron microscopy offers detailed ultrastructural insights into viral morphology and localization within host cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To ultrastructurally characterize hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in liver tissues of patients with type B viral hepatitis.
- To establish etiologic criteria for diagnosing type B viral hepatitis based on viral antigen detection.
- To investigate the stability and immunoreactivity of HBcAg under various enzymatic and chemical treatments.
Main Methods:
- Ultrastructural examination of liver biopsy specimens from 38 patients using electron microscopy.
- Immunoelectron microscopy and immunofluorescent microscopy for antigen localization and detection.
- Enzymatic digestion (protease, DNase, RNase, etc.) and chemical treatments (SDS, Tween 80, mercaptoethanol) to assess antigen stability.
- Protease treatment of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues to enhance immunofluorescent staining.
Main Results:
- Hepatitis B core antigen (21-25 nm) was consistently observed in hepatocyte nuclei and cytoplasm.
- Tubular forms of hepatitis B surface antigen were found in the endoplasmic reticulum, associated with Dane-like particles.
- Hepatitis B core antigen resisted degradation by a wide range of enzymes and chemicals, retaining immunoreactivity.
- Protease treatment improved immunofluorescent staining of core antigen in fixed liver tissues.
Conclusions:
- The presence and localization of HBcAg and HBsAg serve as crucial etiologic criteria for diagnosing type B viral hepatitis.
- The stability of HBcAg to enzymatic and chemical degradation underscores its utility as a diagnostic marker.
- Specific antigen detection methods, including enhanced immunofluorescence, are vital for accurate diagnosis and understanding HBV pathogenesis.