Repeated intraportal hepatocyte transplantation in analbuminemic rats.
The optimal site for implantation of isolated hepatocytes has not been established. We have developed a novel technique which allows repeated infusion of hepatocytes into the portal system via an indwelling catheter. Seven Nagase Analbuminemic rats (NAR) underwent single intraportal infusion of 2 x 10(7) isolated normal albumin-producing rat hepatocytes. Another seven NAR rats underwent placement of indwelling catheters into the portal venous system via the gastroduodenal vein. Each of them received six batches of 5 x 10(6) normal albumin producing hepatocytes. Seven control NAR rats were infused repeatedly (intraportally) with saline only. Plasma albumin (ELISA) showed significant increase in experimental animals and was more pronounced (p < 0.05) in rats transplanted repeatedly than in those given a single dose of cells. Immunohistochemical staining of the liver sections confirmed the presence of transplanted albumin producing hepatocytes. Rats transplanted with a single large batch of isolated hepatocytes showed liver tissue damage, whereas those subjected to repeated cell infusions had normal liver histology. We have developed a novel intraportal transplantation method which allows successful engraftment of a large number of isolated hepatocytes.
Rozga
J
J
Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.
Holzman
M
M
Moscioni
A D
AD
Fujioka
H
H
Morsiani
E
E
Demetriou
A A
AA
D000818:Animals; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling; D017690:Cell Transplantation; D008099:Liver / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D016031:Liver Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D011169:Portal Vein; D051381:Rats; D011922:Rats, Mutant Strains; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D012709:Serum Albumin / Q000032:analysis / Q000172:deficiency*
D012709:Serum Albumin