Attachment and multiplication, morphology and protein production of human fetal primary liver cells cultured in hormonally defined media.
We established for human fetal liver cells (cultured for 2 wk) in a hormonally defined medium, optimal conditions for attachment, multiplication, and preservation of epithelial morphology as well as production and secretion of serum proteins characteristic of fetal (alpha l-fetoprotein, AFP) and adult (albumin and hemopexin) life. Conditions were considered optimal when cell number, albumin, and hemopexin levels were maintained throughout the 2-wk culture period. However, the decrease in AFP concentration, which occurred after a few days of culture, could not be reversed. The culture system developed is a suitable model for studying regulatory mechanisms governing structure and function during differentiation and may prove useful for testing the effect of toxic agents during fetal development of the human liver.
D002448:Cell Adhesion; D002455:Cell Division; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003470:Culture Media; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000502:physiology; D005865:Gestational Age; D006466:Hemopexin / Q000096:biosynthesis; D006728:Hormones; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000166:cytology / Q000196:embryology* / Q000378:metabolism; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D012709:Serum Albumin / Q000096:biosynthesis; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins / Q000096:biosynthesis
D003470:Culture Media; D006728:Hormones; D012709:Serum Albumin; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins; D006466:Hemopexin