Integration of transplanted hepatocytes into host liver plates demonstrated with dipeptidyl peptidase IV-deficient rats

Sanjeev Gupta, Pankaj Rajvanshi, Chang Don Lee

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

124 Scopus citations

Abstract

To analyze mechanisms of liver repopulation, we transplanted normal hepatocytes into syngeneic rats deficient in dipeptidyl peptidase IV activity. When isolated hepatocytes were injected into splenic pulp, cells promptly migrated into hepatic sinusoids. To examine whether transplanted hepatocytes entered liver plates and integrated with host hepatocytes, we analyzed sharing of hepatocyte-specific gap junctions and bile canaliculi. Colocalization studies showed gap junctions uniting adjacent transplanted and host hepatocytes in liver plates. Visualization of bile canalicular domains in transplanted and host hepatocytes with dipeptidyl peptidase IV and ATPase activities, respectively, demonstrated hybrid bile canaliculi, which excreted a fluorescent conjugated bile acid analogue. These results indicate that transplanted hepatocytes swiftly overcome mechanical barriers in hepatic sinusoids to enter liver plates and join host cells. Integration into liver parenchyma should physiologically regulate the function or disposition of transplanted hepatocytes and benefit applications such as gene therapy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)5860-5864
Number of pages5
JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Volume92
Issue number13
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 20 1995

Keywords

  • acute liver failure
  • bile canaliculus
  • gap junction
  • gene therapy
  • liver cell plate

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

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