Transplantation von Hepatozyten ähnlichen Zellen (NeoHep-Cells) verbessert das Überleben bei akutem Leberversagen

Background: In view of liver support systems, implantation of isolated hepatocytes or hepatocyte-like cells is increasingly under discussion. We investigated the efficacy of implantation of different hepatic cell lines in a model of surgically induced liver failure. Material/Methods: In a model of acute liver failure after subtotal hepatectomy, cells of different origin were injected into the spleen of Wistar rats 24 hours prior to surgery. Following an observation period of 5 days, postoperative weight, signs of encephalopathy, and animal survival were recorded. Three groups of animals were compared: Injection of A) 1ml 0,9 % saline solution, B) 24 × 106 rat hepatocytes, C) 24 × 106 NeoHep-Cells. At the end of the observation period, blood was collected for laboratory analysis. Results: Out of 79 animals, 4 of 14 in group A (29 %), 13 of 18 in group B (72 %), and 11 of 22 in group C (50 %) survived the observation period. In group B and C, we observed less frequently signs of postoperative encephalopathy, as well as earlier recovery in terms of weight increase when compared to animals in group A. With respect to laboratory findings at day 5 after surgery, no statistically significant differences were observed. Discussion: Hepatocyte transplantation is a practicable and successful treatment option in case of liver insufficiency since implantation of hepatocyte-like cells (NeoHep-Cells) or primary rat hepatocytes had an improving effect on survival.