Abstract
In order to estimate performance of a hybrid-type artificial liver support system (ALSS) utilizing cultured hepatocytes quantitatively, rate equations describing activity change of hepatocytes and a compartmental mass transfer model were established. Experimental verification of this model was performed in a series of experiments, i. e., dish culture experiments, ex vivo perfusion experiment using rotating-disk type ALSS and in vitro high density culture of hepatocytes using porous material. In these experiments, compartmental model was useful to evaluate metabolic activities of hepatocytes, and agreement between observed values and simulated values based on this model was good for ex vivo perfusion experiments.
