Focal lymphocytic aggregates in chronic hepatitis C: Occurrence, immunohistochemical characterization, and relation to markers of autoimmunity

摘要: Intrahepatic lymphocytic aggregates are observed in chronic hepatitis C as well autoimmune hepatitis. Autoantibodies and manifestations may occur C. It has been suggested that the play a role liver injury of by an immune-mediated mechanism. We studied occurrence intrahepatic autoantibodies consecutive series 128 patients with For phenotypic characterization cryostat sections microwaved paraffin embedded were immunostained monoclonal antibodies directed against T cell subsets, B cells, killer/natural killer follicular dendritic macrophages. tested immunofluorescence (antinuclear, anti-smooth muscle, antimitochondrial) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (anti-soluble antigen, anti-liver/kidney microsome, anti-human receptor for asialoglycoprotein). Focal portal tracts 76 (59%) patients. The cellular composition was constant: core cells mixed many helper/inducer lymphocytes, outer ring prominently formed suppressor/cytotoxic lymphocytes. A germinal center rarely identifiable. presence inversely correlated degree fibrosis. Lymphocytic appeared more frequently persistent active comparison cirrhosis bile duct damage. No correlation found between or other markers autoimmunity. frequent Their is similar to primary lymphoid follicles lymph nodes. does not seem be features