Colonization of albumin-producing hepatocytes derived from transplanted F344 rat bone marrow cells in the liver of congenic Nagase's analbuminemic rats

Background/Aims: We investigated whether bone marrow cells (BMCs) of normal rats can be transformed in albumin-producing hepatocytes in analbuminemic rat livers. Methods: BMCs (2 x 10(7)) from F344 rats (F344) were infused via the portal vein into the livers of congenic Nagase's analbuminemic rats (F344alb) immediately after 70% hepatectomy (PH). Alternatively, F344alb were hematopoietically reconstituted with F344 BMCs by whole body irradiation and BMC transplantation before PH. The recipients were examined for albumin positive (alb +) hepatocytes and albumin mRNA in the livers as well as serum albumin levels 4 weeks later. Sry3 in situ hybridization was done for the livers of female F344alb that received male F344 BMCs. Results: Livers of untreated F344alb contained a few single and double alb + hepatocytes, but these did not form clusters after PH. Clusters (>3 alb + hepatocytes) were detected in livers of the recipients which were transplanted with BMCs immediately after PH as well as the reconstituted IF344alb with or without PH. Normal albumin mRNA was detected in the recipient livers, and serum albumin levels were increased. Sry3 was identified in the alb + clusters in the female recipients. Conclusions: Transplanted BMCs from normal rats can increase clusters of albumin-producing hepatocytes within the liver of analbuminemic rats. (C) 2004 European Association for the Study of the Liver. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.