Effect of Growth Factors and Ascorbic Acid 2-Phosphate on Liver Specific Functions of Porcine Hepatocytes

In this study, ascorbic acid 2-phosphate (Asc2-P) and two growth factors (epidermal growth factor, EGF and hepatocyte growth factor, HGF) were tested on porcine mature hepatocytes in vitro. EGF and HGF increased the ammonium metabolic activity of porcine hepatocytes. The albumin secretion released into the culture medium from the porcine hepatocytes was also augmented by EGF. These results show Asc2-P, EGF and HGF are three important factors to increase the liver specific functions of porcine hepatocytes.