Hepatocyte function and extracellular matrix geometry: long-term culture in a sandwich configuration.
Adult rat hepatocytes cultured in a collagen sandwich system maintained normal morphology and a physiological rate of albumin secretion for at least 42 days. Hepatocytes cultured on a single layer of collagen gel essentially ceased albumin secretion within 1 wk but could recover function with the overlay of a second layer of collagen gel. This culture configuration more closely mimics the hepatocytes' in vivo environment and provides a simple method for their long-term maintenance.
Dunn
J C
JC
Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114.
Yarmush
M L
ML
Koebe
H G
HG
Tompkins
R G
RG
D000418:Albumins / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003094:Collagen / Q000502:physiology; D004848:Epithelium / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008099:Liver / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D051381:Rats
D000418:Albumins; D003094:Collagen