LONG-TERM STORAGE OF ISOLATED LIVER-CELLS AT HYPOTHERMIA

We report that media containing a nonpenetrating component (O,25 M suc rose) and an antioxidant (silibor) are able to preserve rat hepatocyte s with a high metabolic status for long periods at 4 degrees C. Surviv al of hepatocytes after normothermic incubation indicated an intact mi tochondrial system, both at the stage of isolation and after hypothemi c storage. Thus, by inhibiting osmotic damage during hypothermic stora ge, we produced an extended preservation period for isolated liver cel ls at 4 degrees C. The addition of a drug possesing antioxidant proper ties was also beneficial.