Hybrid artificial liver using hepatocyte organoid culture.

Abstract

We developed 2 types of hybrid artificial liver modules using hepatocyte organoid culture. One was a polyurethane foam (PUF)/hepatocyte spheroid packed-bed module. Hepatocytes spontaneously formed spheroids in the PUF pores, and they maintained liver-specific functions well for at least 2 weeks in vitro. As a preclinical experiment, a hybrid artificial liver with 200 g porcine hepatocytes was applied to a pig (25 kg) with liver failure and showed that the hybrid artificial liver was effective in support of liver functions and stabilization of general conditions. We established a new technique of hepatocyte organoid formation using centrifugal force. A hepatocyte organoid formed by centrifugation in hollow fibers maintained functions for more than 4 months in vitro. We developed a new sinusoid-like structure module having hollow fibers arranged by spacers in a micro-regular arrangement. Inoculated hepatocytes in the extra-fiber space of the module formed the organoid by centrifugation, and they maintained the functions for at least 1 month in vitro. The results indicated that this module seems to be promising as a hybrid artificial liver.

• Authors: K Funatsu, H Ijima, K Nakazawa, Y Yamashita, M Shimada, K Sugimachi
• Journal: Artificial organs (Artif Organs) Vol. 25 Issue 3 Pg. 194-200 (Mar 2001) ISSN: 0160-564X [Print] United States
• PMID: 11284886 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Polyurethanes

Topics

• Animals
• Cell Line
• Cells, Cultured
• Centrifugation
• Dogs
• Hepatocytes (cytology, physiology)
• Liver Failure (therapy)
• Liver, Artificial
• Organ Culture Techniques
• Organoids (cytology, physiology)
• Polyurethanes
• Rats
• Swine