Abstract
Human leucocyte interferon (HLIF) was parenterally administered to a 27 year old Japanese male who was fbund to have hepatomegaly, moderately elevated transaminase values, perslstently positive HBsAg and negative c antigen and anti-e. Biopsy-proven liver pathology was consistent with chronic active hepatitis. Total dosage of HLIF was 6.4×107IU. Transaminases started to fall with a corresponding decrease of liver size which occurred around 30 days after the initation of therapy. Serial measurement of blood interferon level remained less than 10IU/ml by the method of Plaque-inhibition assay. Administration of HLIF did not effect the tiers of HIBsAg (RPHA), mdanti-HBc (IAHA). But the most striking changes were observed in the HBc system. HBcAg which stained strongly in 33% of the hepatocyte nuclei befbre treatment by the peroxidase-labelled antibody technique, became positive in only 5% of the nuclei with a much lower intensity after treatment. Follow up liver hiopsy perferomed after the tcrmination of therapy revealed amuch less inflamatory activity consistent with chronic persistent hepatitis, suggesting a definiteim- provement.
Conclusions
1) Some biochemical and histological improvement was noted during and after therapy. 2) administration of HLIF appeared to have no meamrable effect on HBsAg and anti-HBc. 3) there was a definite depression by HLIF of the nucleocapsid hepatitis-B core antigen in the liver. 4)further studies will bewarranted to define the optinal regimen suppressing the virus.
