PROBLEMS IN THE EVALUATION OF TISSULAR PR OGNOSTIC PARAMETERS IN BREAST-CANCER - ABOUT THE CENTER-RENE-HUGUENIN EXPERIENCE

Hepatocyte transplantation could be an alternative to whole liver tran splantation. Allogeneic hepatocytes are rejected if transplanted witho ut immunosuppression. The aim of this study was to transplant allogene ic hepatocytes in the peritoneum and to protect them from rejection by encapsulation in a new semi-permeable membrane. Methods : Rats hepato cytes were encapsulated in hydrogel-based hollow fibers, obtained from AN69 polymer, befor being transplanted into the peritoneum of rats. O utcome of allogeneic hepatoytes encapsuled in hollow fibers was compar ed to that of free allogeneic hepatocytes. Cell viability was assessed by erythrosine exclusion, morphology by electronic microscopy and fun ction by albumin release. Results : Up to 90 days, viability of alloge niec hepatocytes in hollow fibers was above 80 %. The morphology remai ned normal at electronic microscopy. Albumin release was 16.5 +/- 0.3 (day 15), 14.2 +/- 2.0 (day 30), 8.8 +/- 0.1 (day 60) and 11.4 +/- 0.3 mug/24 h/10(6) hepatocytes (day 90). Free hepatocytes did not survive at day 15. Conclusion : Viability and function of encapsulated alloge neic hepatocytes were maintained up to 90 days after transplantation, without immunosuppression.