Development of a hybrid type artificial liver using PUF/spheroid culture system of adult hepatocytes estimation of hepatic functions in blood plasma

Adult rat hepatocytes formed spheroids in the pores of polyurethane foam (PUF) for 5 days, when they were cultured in serum-free medium. After that, when the spheroids were cultured in 100% rat blood plasma, the internal structure of the spheroid was broken down on the 16th day. In the rat plasma supplemented with epidermal growth factor, insulin, glucagon, dexamethasone, aprotinin (100 KIU/ml), the structure of the spheroid was maintained for at least 20 days in PUF stationary culture. Urea synthesis activity of the spheroid in rat plasma with hormones was also maintained at a higher level than at in rat plasma without hormones. Furthermore, in Multi-Capillary PUF packed-bed culture, the activity of the spheroid was maintained at higher level in rat plasma with hormones than that in serum-free medium.