Liver infiltrating T lymphocytes express interferon gamma and inducible nitric oxide synthase in chronic hepatitis C virus infection
2000 | journal article. A publication with affiliation to the University of Göttingen.
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Liver infiltrating T lymphocytes express interferon gamma and inducible nitric oxide synthase in chronic hepatitis C virus infection
Schweyer, S.; Mihm, S.; Radzun, H.-J.; Hartmann, H. & Fayyazi, A. (2000)
Gut, 46(2) pp. 255-259. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/gut.46.2.255
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- Authors
- Schweyer, Stefan; Mihm, Sabine; Radzun, H.-J.; Hartmann, Hans; Fayyazi, Afshin
- Abstract
- Background-Pathogenesis of hepatitis C virus (HCV) associated Liver injury is thought to be due to the host antiviral immune response. Using a quantitative, competitive RT-PCR technique, we recently showed that expression of interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) and IFN-gamma inducible type of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is increased in homogenised liver tissue of patients with chronic HCV infection. Aims--To determine the cellular origin of IFN-gamma and iNOS expression and to examine the hypothesis that T cell derived IFN-gamma secretion induces iNOS in hepatocytes in chronic HCV infection. Methods--By applying a non-radioactive in situ hybridisation method combined with indirect immunofluorescence, 33 liver biopsy specimens from patients with chronic HCV infection were studied for cellular expression of IFN-gamma and iNOS mRNA. Results--In chronic HCV infection, both IFN-gamma and iNOS gene expression were significantly increased. IFN-gamma and iNOS mRNA were observed in CD3+ lymphocytes infiltrating portal tracts and hepatic lobules, but not in hepatocytes. Conclusions-Results are consistent with previous reports that IFN-gamma and iNOS transcripts are elevated in chronic HCV infection. In contrast to the hypothesis, IFN-gamma expressing T cells do not induce iNOS in hepatocytes, but probably in T cells. T lymphocytes expressing IFN-gamma and/or iNOS have the potential to participate in autocrine and paracrine pathways that may contribute to the pathobiology of chronic hepatitis C.
- Issue Date
- 2000
- Status
- published
- Publisher
- British Med Journal Publ Group
- Journal
- Gut
- ISSN
- 0017-5749