The Hep G2 Cell Line as a Possible Alternative to Isolated Hepatocytes in Cytotoxicity Studies

Abstract

The hepatotoxicity of carbon tetrachloride (CC1₄) was evaluated in vitro in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes and in the human hepatoma cell line, Hep G2. Toxicity was assessed by the leakage of cytosolic enzymes (lactate dehydrogenase and aspartate aminotransferase) and cell viability (trypan blue exclusion). The established human cells were less sensitive to CCl₄-induced injury; higher doses of the toxic agent and longer incubation times were necessary to elicit cell damage.

Micromolar concentrations of prostaglandin E₂ significantly decreased enzyme leakage in both Hep G2 cells and rat hepatocytes challenged with CC1₄; a stable derivative of prostacyclin (ZK 36374) was ineffective. These results suggest that human hepatoma Hep G2 cells may represent a valid alternative to isolated rat hepatocytes for an initial approach to the in vitro evaluation of cell toxicity.