title: The perfused human liver wedge biopsy: a new in vitro model for morphological and functional studies.
abstract: We developed a simple and inexpensive method of perfusing small specimens of human liver in vitro that maintains short-term tissue viability as judged by protein transport function and morphological features. The technique allows investigation of liver function at the cellular level in normal specimens and those with hepatobiliary disease. Electron microscopy of specimens perfused with this system demonstrates the presence of an incomplete basement membrane within the space of Disse and shows that human microbodies contain crystalline-like cores morphologically similar to those found in rat liver.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001706:Biopsy; D046508:Culture Techniques; D004721:Endoplasmic Reticulum / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000378:metabolism; D006056:Golgi Apparatus / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010477:Perfusion
chemical_list: D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor