Premium
Culture of Porcine Hepatocytes: The Dogma of Exogenous Matrix Revisited
Author(s) -
Lorenti Alicia,
Barbich Mariana,
Hidalgo Alejandra,
Hyon Sung Ho,
Sorroche Patricia,
Guinle Adolfo,
Sche Andrea,
Chamoles Néstor,
Argibay Pablo
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
artificial organs
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.684
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1525-1594
pISSN - 0160-564X
DOI - 10.1046/j.1525-1594.2001.025007546.x
Subject(s) - oxazepam , chemistry , in vitro , metabolite , viability assay , hepatocyte , matrix (chemical analysis) , diazepam , transplantation , pharmacology , cell culture , biochemistry , chromatography , biology , medicine , genetics , receptor , benzodiazepine
The use of exogenous matrices has been described as an essential component in securing the viability and functionality of hepatocytes in vitro whether cultured for extracorporeal devices or cell transplantation. Here we report on the in vitro culture of porcine hepatocytes in polystyrene tissue‐culture flasks without exogenous matrices showing adequate attachment and viability. Cell proliferation was evidenced by uptake of 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine, with peaks at Days 2 (19.7 ± 8.5%), 15 (20.8 ± 3.3%), and 35 (21.4 ± 0.3%). Detoxification capacity was assessed by determination of monoethylglycinexylidide, a product of lidocaine metabolism (highest value 156.5 ± 10.1 ng/ml at Day 4), and by diazepam clearance (maximum clearance 66.2% at Day 6). Diazepam metabolite levels were highest at Day 4 both for temazepam and oxazepam (6.5 ± 0.1 and 0.10 ± 0.01, respectively). These results suggest that the need for an exogenous matrix to achieve sustained proliferative activity and differentiated hepatocyte function should not necessarily be considered a sine qua non condition.