Microencapsulated hepatocytes and islets as in vivo bioartificial liver support system.

Aim: To confirm the xenotransplantation of microencapsulated hepatocytes and islets as a temporary bioartificial liver support system for mice with acute liver failure (ALF).

Methods: Mice were rendered ALF by a single intra-peritoneal injection of D-galactosamine (D-gal) and their tail blood was sampled to examine differences in blood ALT, albumin (ALB), total bilirubin (TB) and glucose (GLU) between 4 experimental groups. Rat hepatocytes and islets were collected and microencapsulated referring to both Sun's and Fritschy's methods. Mice were grouped into control group (CG), free hepatocyte group (FHG), microencapsulated hepatocyte group (MHG) and microencapsulated hepatocyte plus islet group (HIG). Tissue samples were subjected to microscopic and electron microscopic (EM) examinations.

Results: The highest survival was observed in HIG, surprisingly at 100%(16/16), while the lowest was in CG at 12.5%(2/16), with inter-group statistical difference P<0.05. ALT levels revealed no statistical difference between groups but the ALB level of HIG descended by the slightest margin (q=(0.54, 0.24, 1.33), P<0.05) at the time when it reached the lowest point in all groups. TB of HIG returned to normal reference range (NRR) statistically sooner than that of others after a fierce elevation. No statistical inter-group difference was observed in GLU levels. Fusion between hepatocytes and beta cells was demonstrated giving rise to theoretical assumptions.

Conclusion: Hepatocytes to be microencapsulated together with islets should be a preferred in vivo hepatic functional supporting system, which can dramatically prolong survival and improve living status.