ISSN:
1432-0568
Keywords:
Key words Tissue culture
;
Hepatocyte
;
Cholangiocyte
;
Structural organization
;
Ontogenesis
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract We applied organotypic slice culture of neonatal mouse liver tissues to maintain the parenchymal cells in ontogenesis and to investigate their proliferation and differentiation. Cultured tissue spread gradually over 3 weeks. Small basophilic cells formed several layers in the center of the cultured tissues, and a monolayer of polygonal cells was seen at the periphery. Albumin- and α-fetoprotein-immunoreactions were seen in polygonal cells, as were proliferating cell nuclear antigen-immunoreactions. Connexin 32- and 26-immunoreactions were observed in small plaques on the membrane of the polygonal cells, and electron microscopy showed gap junctional complexes. Ultrastructurally, polygonal cells had a round nucleus and abundant cytoplasmic organelles, and bile canaliculi were seen on the cytoplasmic membrane. Cytokeratin 19-immunoreactions were scattered in clusters. There were ultrastructurally bile-duct-like structures with microvilli on the inner surface of the cavity and tight junctions between their constitutent cells. Quantitative analysis of albumin-, α-fetoprotein- and cytokeratin 19- or proliferating cell nuclear antigen-immunoreactivity in parenchymal cells showed changes of their phenotypes or maintenance of their proliferation in tissue culture. Our slice-culture system enabled us to maintain and to develop parenchymal cells in the liver tissue for at least 3 weeks. The findings suggest that organotypic slice culture applied to liver tissues in ontogenesis may be a useful tool not only to maintain parenchymal cells but also to investigate their proliferation and differentiation.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s004290050231
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