Abstract
To improve the engraftment of donor hepatocytes is a central goal to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of hepatocyte transplantation as an alternative to whole liver transplantation. We reported previously that efficient liver repopulation by transplanted hepatocytes was hampered in livers of old as compared to juvenile animals 6 weeks after transplantation. To investigate, whether this was due to a better initial entry into the host parenchyma of juvenile as compared to senescent donor cells, or to differences in proliferation, we determined repopulation rates in juvenile and senescent host livers 1 week after transplantation of juvenile and senescent hepatocytes by flow cytometry and quantification of DPPIV enzyme activity in liver sections. Proliferation was assessed in the liver parenchyma by the expression of Ki67 six weeks after cell transplantation.1 week after hepatocyte transplantation comparable numbers of scattered cell clusters appeared both in juvenile and senescent host livers, irrespective of the age of the donor hepatocytes. However, quantification by flow cytometry of isolated primary hepatocytes from these livers revealed significantly higher numbers of juvenile as compared to senescent transplanted hepatocytes in juvenile hosts and as compared to either cell type in senescent host livers. This indicates that no differences in the parenchymal entry were obvious but rather higher proliferation of juvenile hepatocytes for higher numbers of transplanted cells in the juvenile host livers. Indeed, 6 weeks after hepatocyte transplantation significantly higher proliferation rates of transplanted hepatocytes were observed in juvenile host livers (4.2%) as compared to senescent hosts (zero), respectively.Hence, irrespective of the age of donor hepatocytes the parenchymal entry is similar but the efficient repopulation by juvenile hepatocytes seemed to rely on higher proliferation rates during liver regeneration.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
