1991 Volume 32 Issue 1 Pages 1-7
Molecular form of IgM antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (IgM anti-HBc) was analysed by high speed liquid chromatography and enzyme-immunoassay in sera from patients with actue and chronic hepatitis B virus infection
IgM anti-HBc was detected in only 19S IgM with both initial stage and recovery stage of acute hepatitis, but it was detected in not only 19S IgM but also 7S IgM with chronic hepatitis.
Furthermore, 19S IgM was predominant in acute exacerbation phase and conversely 7S IgM was predominant in inactive phase of chronic hepatitis.
These findings suggest that the main molecular form of IgM anti-HBc was changed from 7S IgM to 19S IgM with acute exacerbation of chronic hepatitis.