[Intraperitoneal transplantation of isolated hepatocytes of the pig: the implantable bioartificial liver].
The general aim is to prepare a bioartificial liver to treat acute hepatic failure using allo- and xenogeneic hepatocytes, immunoprotected by macroencapsulation and transplanted into the peritoneal cavity. The goal of this study was to prepare a large amount of isolated porcine hepatocytes, to encapsulate them within biocompatible membranes for transplant in allo- and xenogeneic combinations and to examine the viability and functionality of the cells 6 weeks later. Hepatocyte isolation was performed in 12 kg pigs (n = 15) by dissociation of the liver with collagenase D (1 g) without oxygenation. Encapsulation of the hepatocyte suspension (10(7)/mL) was performed in hydrogel membranes AN69; hollow fibers (2 m x 0.8 mm) and flaskes (1.8 cm), and transplanted to Yucatan pigs (n = 4) and Lewis rats (n = 12). Six weeks later, they were removed to study the cell viability by histological examination, and the production of albumin by immunonephelometry. The rate of isolated hepatocytes was 38 +/- 5 x 10(9)/mL by liver of pig and the mean viability was 93 +/- 2%. Six weeks after transplantation, hepatocytes were viable, organized in lobules, and showed conserved albumin production. The same results were observed for allogenic and xenogeneic combinations. In conclusion, this method of liver dissociation allowed for preparation of a large amount of isolated hepatocytes from a single pig liver, theoretically sufficient to treat a patient with acute liver failure. Hydrogel membranes were well tolerated and allowed immunoprotection without immunosuppression. Transplanted hepatocytes remained functional. This work is an important step in progress toward clinical application.
Sarkis
R
R
Inserm U 402, 27, Paris, France.
Wen
L
L
Honiger
J
J
Baudrimont
M
M
Delelo
R
R
Calmus
Y
Y
Capeau
J
J
Nordlinger
B
B
D000818:Animals; D006085:Graft Survival / Q000502:physiology; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology; D016031:Liver Transplantation / Q000473:pathology; D019164:Liver, Artificial; D008297:Male; D010537:Peritoneum; D051381:Rats; D011917:Rats, Inbred Lew; D013552:Swine; D013556:Swine, Miniature; D014183:Transplantation, Heterologous; D016042:Transplantation, Heterotopic / Q000473:pathology; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous