Cryopreserved porcine hepatocytes: expression and induction of cytochrome P450, isoform CYP2E1.

Cryopreservation of porcine hepatocytes for their use in bioartificial liver devices may result in reduced cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme activity. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of several CYP inducers on the isoform CYP2E1 protein expression in cryopreserved porcine hepatocytes. Isolated porcine hepatocytes were cryopreserved for 1 month, thawed, and cultured for 3 days.

Peritoneal implantation of cryopreserved encapsulated porcine hepatocytes in rats without immunosuppression: viability and function.

The bioartificial liver (BAL) represents a promising approach to cell transplantation without immunosuppression as a method to support patients with hepatic insufficiency. The aim of this study was to assess viability and function of cryopreserved encapsulated porcine hepatocytes implanted intraperitoneally in rats without immunosuppression. Isolated porcine hepatocytes were cryopreserved at -196 degrees C for 1 month.

AN69 hollow fiber membrane will reduce but not abolish the risk of transmission of porcine endogenous retroviruses.

As the risk of porcine endogenous retrovirus (PERV) infection is a major obstacle to the xenotransplantation of porcine tissue, we investigated whether an AN69 hollow fibre membrane, used for islets of Langerhans transplantation, could prevent the transfer of PERVs and thus reduce the risk of PERV infection. PK15 cells were used as a PERV source. A specific and highly sensitive RCR was used for detection of a PERV provirus DNA (gag region) and a porcine mtDNA.

In-vitro development of corneal epithelial cells on a new hydrogel for epikeratoplasty.

This study demonstrates the adhesion and growth of bovine corneal epithelial cells on the surface of a new hydrogel. The hydrogel, containing 78% of water and 22% of AN-69 polymer (poly(acrylonitrile-sodium methallyle sulfonate)), was obtained by phase inversion of polymer-dimethylformamide solution in physiological saline (0.9% NaCl).

Insulin treatment of mice recipients preserves beta-cell function in porcine islet transplantation.

Encapsulation of islets of Langerhans confers protection against cell-mediated immune destruction and so should allow the transplantation of islets without immunosuppression. Xenotransplantation of encapsulated islets of Langerhans might therefore help overcome problems of human organ donor shortage. Given that islets exposed to sustained hyperglycemia show impaired beta-cell function, we set out to determine whether recipient treatment with insulin could improve transplantation success rate.