Culture of Human Fetal Liver 1

Abstract

Summary

A method for the preparation of collagen-substrate cultures of human fetal liver is described. The growth and long-term maintenance of differentiated hepatic parenchymal cells in these cultures from liver tissue from human fetuses of 8 to 18 wk gestation is described. Satisfactory outgrowth of hepatic parenchymal cells was obtained from fetuses of 12 to 18 wk gestation, while outgrowth of cells from an 8 wk fetus was less satisfactory and the cells degenerated within 2 wk. Outgrowing cells demonstrated the typical morphology and arrangement of hepatic parenchymal cells and glycogen formation was readily demonstrated. Mitotic figures were observed during the first 2 wk of culture and foci of cells in the granulocytic and erythrocytic series were prominent during this period. Addition of hydrocortisone to the media resulted in a marked reduction of fibroblastic growth surrounding the colonies of hepatic parenchymal cells, even after prolonged culture. Culture of human fetal liver in Gelfoam-sponge organ cultures is described. In these organ cultures the morphology of the hepatic parenchymal cells compared favorably with the parenchymal cells in fetal liver fixed immediately on receipt. A simple method for preparation of the collagen substrate is described.