The Journal of Biochemistry
Online ISSN : 1756-2651
Print ISSN : 0021-924X
Efficient Induction of Hepatocyte Spheroids in a Suspension Culture Using a Water-Soluble Synthetic Polymer as an Artificial Matrix
Keisuke YamadaMasamichi KamihiraRyuji HamamotoShinji Iijima
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1998 Volume 123 Issue 6 Pages 1017-1023

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Abstract

The preparation of hepatocyte spheroids by adding a water-soluble synthetic polymer as an artificial matrix was performed in a cell suspension system. Cell-aggregation was promoted without cytotoxicity by adding Eudragit (a copolymer of methacrylic acid and methylmethacrylate) to the culture medium. Spheroid-like cell aggregates, whose liver functions were enhanced, were effectively formed in the presence of 0.1% Eudragit, independent of the cultural substratum. Moreover, the mass preparation of spheroids could be achieved with a high production yield by means of a suspension culture in a spinner flask. In this case, the polymer protected the cells from damage due to agitation. The spheroids induced with Eudragit expressed high liver functions, such as albumin secretion, ammonia removal, and urea synthesis. On histological observation, the spheroids showed a well-developed cell adhesion apparatus and bile canaliculi. In addition, a higher calcium ion concentration in the cells of spheroids was observed compared with in monolayer cells.

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© The Japanese Biochemical Society
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