title: Rat Hepatocyte Cultures : Collagen Gel Sandwich and Immobilization Cultures.
abstract: Mimicking the in vivo microenvironment is one of the current strategies to maintain liver-specific functionality in primary cultured hepatocytes for long periods. Freshly isolated hepatocytes entrapped in collagen gel type I (collagen gel immobilization culture) or sandwiched between two layers of hydrated collagen type I (collagen gel sandwich culture) are known to display liver-specific functions (e.g., biotransformation capacity) for more than 6 wk. We describe how to set up both types of organotypical hepatocyte culture systems. Besides a detailed protocol, we give some practical tips, taken from our own experience with long-term hepatocyte culture.
authors.affiliation: Department of Toxicology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium.
authors.forename: Mathieu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vinken
authors.affiliation: Department of Toxicology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium.
authors.forename: Greetje
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Elaut
authors.affiliation: Department of Toxicology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium.
authors.forename: Tom
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Henkens
authors.affiliation: Department of Toxicology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium.
authors.forename: Peggy
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Papeleu
authors.affiliation: Department of Toxicology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Snykers
authors.affiliation: Department of Toxicology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium.
authors.forename: Tamara
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Vanhaecke
authors.affiliation: Department of Toxicology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium.
authors.forename: Vera
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Rogiers
keywords: Long-term culture; cell-matrix interaction; collagen gel immobilization culture; collagen gel sandwich culture; primary hepatocyte culture