TRANSPLANTATION OF HEPATOCYTES - AN IN-VITRO AND IN-VIVO STUDY IN CANINES

We isolated and transplanted hepatocytes in the canine, large animal m odel to evaluate hepatocyte yield and purity as well as the optimal si te for hepatocyte engraftment (i.e., the spleen or the portal bed). We obtained viable, pure, single hepatocyte suspensions that were readil y preserved at 4-degrees-C in University of Wisconsin (UW) solution fo r up to 3 days. Both intrasplenic and portal vein injection were well tolerated, with minimal recipient morbidity and mortality when 1-2 x 1 0(9) hepatocytes were injected into immunosuppressed allogeneic hosts. We noted the embolization of hepatocytes into the parenchyma of the n ative liver within 7 days of intrasplenic transplantation that produce d a mild reversible derangement of liver function and histology. These results warrant consideration prior to clinical trials of hepatocyte transplantation in man.