Albumin-producing hepatocytes derived from cryopreserved F344 rat bone marrow cells transplanted in the livers of congenic Nagase's analbuminemic rats.

PURPOSE

Hematopoietic stem cells (SCs) are thought to have the potential to differentiate into hepatocytes; however, this potential has not been reported for cryopreserved SCs. We investigated whether cryopreserved bone marrow cells (BMCs) from F344 rats (F344) can induce the growth of albumin-producing hepatocytes in the livers of congenic Nagase's analbuminemic rats (F344alb).

METHODS

F344 BMCs were cryopreserved in University of Wisconsin (UW) solution containing 10% fetal bovine serum and 12% dimethylsulfoxide, at -80 degrees C. After thawing, 20 x 10(6) cells were infused via the portal vein into the livers of F344alb immediately after 70% hepatectomy (PH). We examined the recipient livers for albumin-positive (alb+) hepatocytes and albumin mRNA, and measured the serum albumin levels 4 weeks later.

RESULTS

Single and double alb+ hepatocytes were occasionally seen in the F344alb livers without the BMC transplantation. However, clusters consisting of more than three alb+ hepatocytes were seen in the livers of recipients transplanted with the cryopreserved BMCs after PH, the same as in the livers transplanted with freshly isolated BMCs. Normal albumin mRNA was detected in the recipient livers and the serum albumin levels were increased.

CONCLUSION

Cryopreserved F344 BMCs can induce the growth of alb+ hepatocytes after transplantion in the F344alb liver after PH.