Early-stage histomorphology and ultrastructure of SV40LT antigen gene transfected hepatocytes transplanted into rat spleen

Huichun LIU; Shaobo ZHOU; Zongkuang LI

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:

Hepatocyte transplantation can improve biochemical parameters and survival of animals with acute liver failure.However,cell sources.immunological rejection,distribution and histomorphological alternation of transplanted hepatocytes are important issues for its wide application in clinic.

OBJECTIVE:

To observe early-stage histomorphological and ultrastructural changes of SV40LT antigen gene transfected hepatocytes after transplanted into rat spleen.DESIGN,TIME AND

SETTING:

Randomized controlled animal trial was performed at Laboratory of National Hepatobiliary and Enteric Surgery Research Center.Ministry of Health from March to December 2001.MATERIALSSixty male Wistar rats were selected for hepatocyte transplantation.

METHODS:

Sixty rats were randomly divided into 4 groups(n=15).Primary cell group and primary cell plus cyclosporine A group were intrasplenically transplanted with primarily cultured hepatocytes;SV40LT antigen gene group and SV40LT antigen gene plus cyclosporine A group were intrasplenic transplanted with SV40LT antigen gene transfected hepatocytes.Twenty-four hours before and 14 days after transplantation,the rats in primary cell group and SV40LT antigen gene group were injected with 0.5 mL normal saline through tail vein daily,while the other groups were injected with cyclosporine A (10mg/kg per day).MAIN OUTCOME

MEASURES:

The spleen of one rat was harvested every day postoperatively for light microscopic and electron microscopic examinations to observe survival rate,histomorphological and ultrastructural features of transplanted hepatocytes for 14 days.

RESULTS:

Compared with primary cell group and SV40LT antigen gene group,the survival rate of transplanted hepatocytes in the other groups was significantly increased(P<0.05),but the histomorphological and ultrastructural changes were minor.There were no significant differences in the survival rate between SV40LT zntigen gene transfected hepatocytes and primarily cultured hepatocytes during the first week after transplantation(P>0.05),while the survival rate in SV40LT antigen gene transfected hepatocytes was significantly higher than primarily cultured hepatocytes 8-14 days postoperatively(P<0.01).

CONCLUSION:

Under treatment of cyclosporine A,the SV40LT antigen gene transfected hepatocytes can maintain a stable ultrastructure and a long survival rate.