Improvement of metabolic performance of cultured hepatocytes by high oxygen tension in the atmosphere

Maintaining metabolic functions of cultured hepatocytes at higher levels is an essential requirement for the development of a bioartificial liver. We investigated the effect of oxygen tension (10-40%) of the medium on immobilization efficiency and metabolic functions of cultured hepatocytes obtained from a rat for up to 4 days. Immobilization efficiencies of cultures in 10% oxygen showed a significantly lower value from those for the other conditions. The ammonium metabolic rate and the albumin secretion rate were significantly improved with an increase of dissolved oxygen tension for up to 2 days. These values remained similar in the later stage of the culture. The urea secretion rate showed similar values in all conditions. In conclusion, higher oxygen tension improved immobilization efficiency and metabolic functions of cultured rat hepatocytes in the earlier stage of culture for up to 2 days.