Application of spheroid culture to human hepatocytes and maintenance of their differentiation

Biol Cell. 1994;81(1):77-81. doi: 10.1016/0248-4900(94)90058-2.

Abstract

Human hepatocytes cultured with a hormonally defined medium on non-adherent poly-(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)-coated surface were able to form spheroids. The maintenance of liver-specific functions was assessed by following secretion of albumin, transferrin and alpha 1-antitrypsin that were still detectable after 4 months of spheroidal culture. Moreover, cytochrome P-450 IA was induced by methylcholanthrene for up to 2 weeks. This cell system is very promising for long-term in vitro studies of human hepatocyte functions.

Publication types

  • Letter
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Albumins / analysis
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System / biosynthesis
  • Humans
  • Liver / cytology*
  • Liver / drug effects
  • Liver / metabolism*
  • Methylcholanthrene / pharmacology
  • Transferrin / analysis
  • alpha 1-Antitrypsin / analysis

Substances

  • Albumins
  • Transferrin
  • alpha 1-Antitrypsin
  • Methylcholanthrene
  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System