Comparison of the response of primary rat and human hepatocytes to ethanol exposition in a miniaturized three-dimensional (3D) multi-compartment bioreactor system

Objective: Various studies indicate that the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and associated cellular damage play an important role in ageing of various organs, including the liver. Especially high concentrations of ethanol lead to oxidative damage, which have been proposed as the major cause of cellular ageing and death. To analyze these effects a bioreactor technology for in vitro liver cell culture was used, which is based on a perfused hollow-fibre capillary network offering dynamic three-dimensional culture conditions with continuous medium perfusion and decentralized oxygenation. This technolo…