[Preparation of digoxigenin labelled probe and detection of HBV DNA in liver and extrahepatic tissue with in situ hybridization].

A new rapid technique for intrahepatic and extrahepatic HBV DNA detection by using digoxigenin (dig) labelled probe with in situ hybridization was developed. This technique has the advantage of being non-radioactive and a quick procedure yielding stable results and showing a clear background. 45 liver specimens were tested with this technique. Among the patients with positive intrahepatic HBsAg and HBcAg, positive detection of HBV DNA was highest (77.27%, 17/22). Some results were confirmed by PCR test. 19 extrahepatic specimens were detected with in situ hybridization. HBV DNA was seen clearly in the nuclei of myocardial cells, pancreatic islet cell, renal tubule epithelial cells and testicular spermatogenic cells. The results of this study might contribute to the study of molecular mechanism of HBV-induced injury in liver cells and extrahepatic tissue.