Non-specific immune response in acute viral hepatitis: Studies from serum 2-5AS activity and serum and histochemical changes of BMG

Abstract

In order to elucidate the difference of non-specific immune response among the acute viral hepatitis type A (AHA), type B (AHB) and sporadic type NANB (AHNANB), the serum 2-5 oligoadenylate synthetase (2-5AS) activity and β2-microgrobulin (BMG) were measured and the BMG expression in the hepatocyte was also examined. Serum 2-5AS activity and BMG level were high in the acute phase of AHA and AHB, and they returned to normal in the convalescent phase. In the acute phase of AHA, the levels of them were higher than those of AHB. These findings suggest that the interferon (IFN) system is involved in the acute phase of illness and it's action was more rapid and sharp in AHA than that in AHB. The light and electron microscopic examinations revealed that BMG is produced and expressed on the hepatocyte membrane in the acute phase of illness and disappeared by the convalescent phase. In the acute phase of AHA, the BMG expression was nore intensive than that of AHB. Such expression seeems to be well reflected on the serum BMG level. On the other hand, in the AHNANB the levels of serum 2-5AS activity and BMG were lower compared with those of AHA or AHB, suggesting the intensity of immune response in AHNANB is weaker than those in AHA or AHB.