Intrasplenic or subperitoneal hepatocyte transplantation to increase survival after surgically induced hepatic failure?

BACKGROUND As a basis for future clinical questions, we evaluated the efficacy of hepatocyte transplantation in a surgical model using a subperitoneal or intrasplenic approach for cell implantation. METHODS In rats, acute liver failure was induced by subtotal hepatectomy. Series of allogenic hepatocyte transplantations were performed by varying cell number, site, and sequence of cell transplantation. RESULTS Following subperitoneal or intrasplenic cell implantation subsequent to liver surgery, no survival benefit was achieved when compared to the control groups. However, intrasplenic cell implantation 24 h prior to liver surgery revealed a statistically significantly higher animal survival (72 vs. 29%). CONCLUSION According to our experience, both timing and site of cell implantation played an important role in hepatocyte transplantation. Intrasplenic hepatocyte transplantation 1 day before liver surgery showed the best results in terms of survival. Consequently, we were able to establish a model of hepatocyte transplantation which may be the basis for further investigations evaluating potential treatment modalities to overcome deleterious postoperative liver insufficiency.