Two liver-specific antigens are known: a water soluble protein (LP-2) and a water insoluble macromolecular low density lipoprotein (LP-1).
In this paper the relative role of the two antigens in the development of experimental immune hepatitis has been investigated. Immunization of rabbits with a human preparation containing both antigens, led in all animals to lesions characteristic of an immune hepatitis. Immunization of the animals with a purified water soluble liver protein proved less efficient: only two out of six animals developed characteristic lesions which were less severe than those in the first group. It was deduced that although not a prerequisite, the liver-specific lipoprotein plays an important supportive role in the development of immune hepatitis.