Immunohistological investigations of PAS-negative globular intracisternal hyalin in human liver biopsy specimens

Abstract

Eight liver biopsy specimens from five patients with PAS-negative intracisternal hyalin were investigated by immunofluorescence for: (1) immunoglobulins (Ig) G, A, M, D, E; (2) light chains (κ and λ ; (3) complement components Clq, C4, C3c, C5, C9; (4) Cl-inactivator; (5) C3-activator; (6) α₁-antitrypsin; (7) α₁-antichymotrypsin; (8) plasminogen; (9) fibrinogen; (10) fibrinogen breakdown products D and E; (11) fibronectin; (12) prealbumin; (13) albumin; (14) betalipoprotein; (15) apolipoprotein; (16) α₁- and α₂-glycoprotein; (17) cholinesterase; (18) ceruloplasmin; (19) haemopexin; (20) myoglobin; (21) placenta lactogen; (22) transferrin; (23) actin; (24) myosin; (25) cathepsin D; and (26) hepatitis B surface and core antigens (HBsAg and HBcAg). The globules reacted significantly with antisera against C3c (three patients), C4 (three patients), C3-activator (one patient) and fibrinogen (two patients). The cause of the protein accumulation is not clear. Serial studies indicate the possibility of a disturbance of protein secretion and an as yet unidentified immune complex disorder.