Induction of Fas ligand and Fas antigen mRNA expressions in interferon-gamma transgenic mouse liver.

The interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) transgenic mouse develops chronic hepatitis. In the present study, lymphoid cell infiltration and expression of the Fas system were studied in the transgenic mouse liver. Morphological analysis showed the infiltration of lymphoid cells at the portal area and necro-inflammation in the lobules. Furthermore, the infiltrating lymphoid cells were found to be present in the areas of piecemeal necrosis and the intralobular region. The polymerase chain reaction revealed induction of Fas antigen and Fas ligand mRNA expressions. The chronic hepatitis in this mouse reflects the profiles of human chronic hepatitis.