Evaluation of tissue preparation for in vitro study of hepatic long-chain fatty acid metabolism

The purpose of the present study was to compare the effect of different tissue preparations on hepatic long-chain fatty, acid oxidation and ketogenesis in a tissue culture system. The liver tissue was prepared using a Stadie-Riggs hand microtome (SR), a motorized tissue slicer (Krumdieck tissue slicer, KTS) or a small needle biopsy (G14; 14G x 17 mm notch needle biopsy or G16; 16G x 17 mm needle biopsy). The liver tissue was obtained from slaughtered lactating dairy cows. The CO, and ketone body production were significantly affected by tissue preparation in the positive order KTS > SR > G14 > G16. The variability of the in vitro results was slightly affected by tissue preparation, being highest for the SR method. The G14 small needle biopsy had a sufficiently good biological response, and presumably small needle biopsy can minimize health risks compared with taking bigger liver biopsies on living animals.