Immunohistochemical study of intrahepatic distribution of lymphocyte subsets in cases with non-A, non-B chronic hepatitis

Abstract

Intrahepatic distribution of lymphocyte subsets (Leu-1, Leu-2a, Leu-3a, Leu-7, and Leu-10 positive cells) was studied in 17 cases with non-A, non-B chronic hepatitis by peroxidase-labeled antibody method and was compared with that in cases with type B chronic hepatitis. Leu-2a positive cells were occupied in 32.2±8.0 (Meam±SD) % of mononuclear cells infiltrating in the liver and Leu-3a positive cells were demonstrated in 33.9±6.2% of them. Leu-3a/Leu-2a ratio shows 1.13±0.41. Leu-7 positive cells consisted of only 9.5±4.3% and were scattered in the liver. Leu-2a positive cells were not only distributed in sites of piecemeal necrosis in the periportal area but in sites of focal necrosis of parenchyma. In cases with highely elevated s-GPT (>400IU/L), Leu-2a positive cells were more increased than in cases with low level of s-GPT (<100IU/L) and Leu-3a/Leu-2a ratio was decreased. These results suggest that T cell cytotoxicity may also play an important role in the pathogenesis of liver cell necrosis in non-A, non-B chronic hepatitis as well as in type B chronic hepatitis.