BMP-4 induced proliferation and oriented differentiation of rat hepatic oval cells into hepatocytes.

Objective: To explore the role of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP-4) in hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs).

Methods: The effect of BMP-4 on rat hepatic oval cells was examined by using the WB-F344 rat hepatocytic epithelial stem-cell-like cell line. This hepatocytic cell line could exert various hepatocyte functions including the secretion of albumin and urea. Immunohistochemistry was used to examine the effects of BMP-4 and its antagonist, Noggin, on the proliferation and differentiation of these cells, cellular uptake and excretion of indocyanine green, the periodic acid-schiff (PAS) assay for glycogen storage and the expression of hepatic markers.

Results: Our results showed for the first time that BMP-4 may acted as a potential inducer of hepatic differentiation in rat hepatic oval cells.

Conclusions: This cell source offers a much-needed attractive and expandable source for future investigations of drug screening, stem cell technologies and cellular transplantation, in a society with increasing levels of liver disease and damage.