Functional activity of hepatocytes in tissue fragments in a new bioreactor biological artificial liver.
Functional activity of hepatocytes in a new bioreactor designed for culturing of liver tissue fragments under perfusion conditions was tested. Specific hepatic functions such as ammonium detoxification, urea and protein synthesis, and P-450-dependent metabolism of p-nitroanisole were maintained for 1.5 days. The bioreactor can be used as a bioartificial liver support apparatus.