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A species-non-specific liver plasma-membrane antigen and its involvement in chronic active hepatitis
Abstract:
Rabbit liver plasma membranes were isolated and purified by using an aqueous two-phase polymer system. Examination of these preparations with respect to electron-microscopical appearance, distribution of marker enzymes and gross biochemical composition revealed them to be free from contamination by intracellular components. Sera from ten patients with chronic active hepatitis, four with and six without hepatitis B viral markers (HBsAg) in their sera, produced a single precipitin line on immunodiffusion against a detergent extract of the isolated plasma membranes. Sera from HBsAg-positive and HBsAg-negative patients reacted against the same antigen. This antigen was enriched in the plasma membrane preparations compared with whole-liver homogenates and was identical with a species-non-specific antigen in a macromolecular fraction of normal human liver, which has been previously described as liver-specific lipoprotein.
Insights
Researchers isolated rabbit liver plasma membranes and found they reacted with sera from chronic active hepatitis patients. This suggests a common antigen in liver membranes may be involved in the disease.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Chronic active hepatitis is an inflammatory liver disease.
- Hepatitis B viral markers (HBsAg) are associated with hepatitis B infection.
- Liver-specific lipoprotein has been previously identified.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize rabbit liver plasma membranes.
- To investigate the reactivity of these membranes with sera from chronic active hepatitis patients.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and purification of rabbit liver plasma membranes using an aqueous two-phase polymer system.
- Electron microscopy and marker enzyme analysis to confirm membrane purity.
- Immunodiffusion assays using detergent extracts of plasma membranes and patient sera.
Main Results:
- Purified plasma membranes were free from intracellular contamination.
- Sera from all chronic active hepatitis patients (both HBsAg-positive and negative) showed a single precipitin line against a membrane extract.
- The reactive antigen was enriched in plasma membranes and identified as a species-non-specific liver antigen, similar to liver-specific lipoprotein.
Conclusions:
- A common antigen present in liver plasma membranes reacts with sera from patients with chronic active hepatitis.
- This antigen may play a role in the pathogenesis of chronic active hepatitis.
- The identified antigen is a species-non-specific liver component.