Abstract

Adult rat hepatocytes cultured in a collagen sandwich system maintained normal morphology and a physiological rate of albumin secretion for at least 42 days. Hepatocytes cultured on a single layer of collagen gel essentially ceased albumin secretion within 1 wk but could recover function with the overlay of a second layer of collagen gel. This culture configuration more closely mimics the hepatocytes' in vivo environment and provides a simple method for their long-term maintenance.— Dunn, J. C. Y.; Yarmush, M. L.; Koebe, H. G.; Tompkins, R. G. Hepatocyte function and extracellular matrix geometry: long-term culture in a sandwich configuration. FASEB J. 3: 174-177; 1989.