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A novel formulation of oxygen‐carrying matrix enhances liver‐specific function of cultured hepatocytes
Author(s) -
Nahmias Yaakov,
Kramvis Yiannos,
Barbe Laurent,
Casali Monica,
Berthiaume Francois,
Yarmush Martin L.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fj.06-6192fje
Subject(s) - oxygen , extracellular matrix , hepatocyte , chemistry , cell culture , limiting oxygen concentration , secretion , albumin , biochemistry , microbiology and biotechnology , biophysics , in vitro , biology , organic chemistry , genetics
Oxygen is an important component of the cellular microenvironment, mediating cell survival, differentiation, and function. Oxygen supply is a limiting factor during culture of highly metabolic cells such as hepatocytes. Here we present a simple formulation of a fluorocarbon‐based oxygen carrier embedded in collagen gel that increases oxygen concentration in culture 6‐fold. Rat hepatocytes cultured on oxygen carrier‐collagen showed a significant increase in viability and function. Cytochrome P450IA1 activity was increased by 140% in serum‐free cultures and by 820% in serum‐containing cultures. The significantly higher hepatocellular function on oxygen carrier‐collagen matrix persisted and increased during long‐term culture. Long‐term albumin secretion was increased by 350% in serum‐free cultures and by 166% in serum‐containing culture. Long‐term urea secretion was increased by 79% in serum‐free cultures and by 76% in serum‐containing cultures. We conclude that oxygen supply may limit hepatocyte function in vitro . This limitation can be overcome by addition of an oxygen carrier to the extracellular matrix. Culture of hepatocytes on oxygen‐carrying matrix mimics the oxygen‐rich environment of the liver and provides a simple method for enhanced long‐term function.—Nahmias, Y., Kramvis, Y., Barbe, L., Casali, M., Berthiaume, F., Yarmush, M. L. A novel formulation of oxygen‐carrying matrix enhances liver‐specific function of cultured hepatocytes. FASEB J. 20, E1828–E1836 (2006)