HBsAg, HBcAg and delta-Ag in liver tissue: simultaneous visualization in a single tissue section by triple immunostaining

Histol Histopathol. 1986 Apr;1(2):181-5.

Abstract

The distribution pattern of HBsAg, HBcAg and Delta-Ag was investigated by immunohistochemistry in a series of paraffin embedded liver tissue specimens from 45 subjects with serum HBsAg and anti-Delta antibody positivity. An indirect immunoperoxidase technique was used. Stains for HBsAg, HBcAg and Delta-Ag were alternatively carried out on serial tissue sections and, for the first time, consecutively in a single section (triple immunostaining). Simultaneous presence of all antigens occurred in 7 out of 45 cases, and of two antigens (HBsAg and Delta-Ag) in the remaining 38. Two antigens (either HBsAg and HBcAg or HBcAg and Delta-Ag) could also be shown in the same cell. A series of new observations was forwarded by the successful application of triple immunostaining in the present series: 1) high frequence of simultaneous presence of HBcAg and Delta-Ag (7 out of 45 cases = 16%); 2) cytoplasmic localization of Delta-Ag; 3) localization of HBcAg on the cell membrane of HBsAg positive Ground-Glass (G-G) hepatocytes; 4) Ground-Glass appearance of hepatocytic cytoplasm associated with exclusive content of HBcAg (HBcAg-Ground-Glass: a new variant of G-G-hepatocytes).

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, Viral / analysis*
  • Cell Nucleus / immunology
  • Cytoplasm / immunology
  • Female
  • Hepatitis B Core Antigens / analysis*
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / analysis*
  • Hepatitis Delta Virus*
  • Hepatitis delta Antigens
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry / methods*
  • Liver / immunology*
  • Male

Substances

  • Antigens, Viral
  • Hepatitis B Core Antigens
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens
  • Hepatitis delta Antigens
  • hepatitis delta virus large antigen