Microencapsulated multicellular spheroid of rat hepatocytes transplanted intraperitoneally after 90% hepatectomy

Abstract

Background/aims: The aim of this preliminary study was to investigate the metabolic activity of hepatocyte spheroids encapsulated with agarosehydrogel in vitro and the effect of encapsulated hepatocyte spheroids transplanted intraperitoneally on survival in the 90% hepatectomized rats for preparing future xeno-hepatocyte spheroids transplantation.

Methodology: Hepatocytes were prepared by Seglen's method and cultured with epidermal growth factor. Hepatocytes formed spheroids 4 days after inoculation. Hepatocyte spheroids were encapsulated into 5% concentration agarose-hydrogel microbeads before being transplanted into the peritoneum of the rats.

Results: Hepatocyte spherois showed better metabolic activity compared to isolated hepatocytes. Hepatocyte spheroids function cultured in vitro were not deteriorated by encapsulation with agarose-hydrogel. Survival rates of 90% hepatectomized rats were improved by the intraperitoneal transplantation of encapsulated hepatocyte spheroids.

Conclusions: Rat hepatocyte spheroids encapsulated with agarose-hydrogel and transplanted intraperitoneally were considered as effective for the improvement of survival rates in acute liver failure produced by 90% hepatectomy.