Abstract
Hepatocytes encapsulated in an alginate-polylysine-membrane were used to lower bilirubin levels in hyperbilirubinemia. The animal model was the Gunn rat. The microencapsulated hepatocytes were implanted intraperitoneally. 15×166 microencapsulated hepatocytes from Wistar rats lowered the bilirubin from 14 mg/100 ml to 6 mg/100 ml after 20 days. 15×106 microencapsulated hepatocytes from Sprague-Dawley rats lowered the bilirubin levels from 8 mg/100 ml to 5 mg/100 ml. They were as effective as free Sprague-Dawley hepatocytes. 12×106 Guinea pig hepatocytes, whether encapsulated or free, lowered the bilirubin from 9.36 mg/100ml to 4.37 mg/100 ml.
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