Number of human cell clusters after 24 hours predicts outcome of human liver cell transplantation in the upa mouse system

Background/Aim: Hepatocellular transplantation may treat or bridge liver diseases in the future. To elucidate engraftment efficiency and proliferative capacity of primary human hepatocytes (HH), we performed xenotransplantation experiments using the uPA mouse model of liver regeneration. Methods/results: HH were isolated from remnants reduced size livers and transplanted (1×106 cells; >80% viability) into scid/beige uPA mice via splenic injection. Engraftment was determined by immunohistochemistry using human-specific CK18 antibodies at 3hr, 24hr and 1 week after tx. Although approximately 20% of injected hepato…