K. Yanagi et N. Ohshima, Improvement of metabolic performance of cultured hepatocytes by high oxygen tension in the atmosphere, ARTIF ORGAN, 25(1), 2001, pp. 1-6
Maintaining metabolic functions of cultured hepatocytes at higher levels is
an essential requirement for the development of a bioartificial liver. We
investigated the effect of oxygen tension (10-40%) of the medium on immobil
ization efficiency and metabolic functions of cultured hepatocytes obtained
from a rat for up to 4 days. Immobilization efficiencies of cultures in 10
% oxygen showed a significantly lower value from those for the other condit
ions. The ammonium metabolic rate and the albumin secretion rate were signi
ficantly improved with an increase of dissolved oxygen tension for up to 2
days. These values remained similar in the later stage of the culture. The
urea secretion rate showed similar values in all conditions. In conclusion,
higher oxygen tension improved immobilization efficiency and metabolic fun
ctions of cultured rat hepatocytes in the earlier stage of culture for up t
o 2 days.