Conditions required for a hybrid artificial liver support system using a PUF/hepatocyte-spheroid packed-bed module and it's use in dogs with liver failure

We studied the effects of a hybrid artificial liver support system we devel oped on dogs with hepatic failure. The system consisted of a multi-channel polyurethane foam packed-bed culture module, including primary dog hepatocy te spheroids. Blood ammonia was well metabolized by 20 g hepatocytes, but the other funct ions such as glucose concentration, fetal bile acid concentration, and surv ival time required 30 g hepatocytes to improve conditions. We found that we should use a culture substratum that easily forms spheroids, and that an a rtificial liver module should be used as soon as possible after spheroid fo rmation by hepatocytes in the module.