Current topics in autoimmune hepatitis

Anti-liver cytosol type 1 (anti-LC1) pattern by indirect immunofluorescence on rat liver. The cytoplasmic staining of the hepatocytes is unevenly distributed throughout the liver lobule, and the perivenular layers are spared. Immunofluorescence is negative on rat kidney and stomach (not shown).

Anti-actin antibodies pattern by indirect immunofluorescence on cultured fibroblasts. Microfilaments, which are extremely rich in polymerized actin (stress fibres) are easily recognized.

Atypical anti-liver/kidney microsomal antibody (anti-LKM) pattern by indirect immunofluorescence on rat liver (panel a) and kidney (panel b). Liver staining is cytoplasmic and is mostly located in the hepatocytes around the central vein; a perimembrane reinforce is also appreciated in hepatocytes within the liver lobule (a). Kidney tubules are homogeneously stained, whereas vessels and glomeruli are negative (b).