Abstract

The author observed HBsAg in the liver tissues histochemically with Shikata’s orcein method in 11 cases of chronic hepatitis, 22 cases of liver cirrhosis and 32 cases of primary liver cell carcinoma. The liver tissues were collected by biopsy or operation in Busan University Hospital and Busan Gospel Hospital during the year of 1975. The results obtained were discussed and were summarized as follows : 1. HBsAg was identified in the liver cells in 4 out of the 11 cases of chronic hepatitis (36.4%) and in 7 out of the 22 cases of liver cirrhosis (31.8%). 2. HBsAg was identified in neoplastic and/or non-neoplastic liver cells in 13 out of the 32 cases of primary liver cell carcinoma (40.6%). In 11 cases it was found in both neoplastic and non-neoplastic liver cells and in 2 cases only in non-neoplastic liver cells. 3. There was no significant difference in positive rate of HBsAg among the chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and primary liver cell carcinoma. 4. It was suggested that hepatitis virus B might play an important role in the etiology of liver cirrhosis and primary liver cell carcinoma.