BACKGROUND Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), a potent mitogen for hepatocytes, enhances hepatocyte function without stimulating proliferation, depending on the physiological conditions. p53, a transcription factor, suppresses the cell proliferation by expressing p21(WAF1/CIP1) in various tissues. AIM To investigate the mechanism through which the hepatocytes maintain mitotically quiescent even ...

When stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), primary cultures of Kupffer cells from the rat secreted a hepatocyte-stimulating factor (Kupffer factor) which induced the synthesis of alpha 2-macroglobulin (a2M) by hepatocytes. The effect of this Kupffer factor was found only when dexamethasone was present in the hepatocyte culture medium. Dexamethasone alone stimulated the a2M synthesis, to som...

The underlying redox-sensitive mechanisms that regulate hepatocyte expression of inducible nitric-oxide synthase (iNOS) and its antioxidant functions are largely unknown. We have demonstrated previously that oxidative stress induced by benzenetriol-mediated superoxide production increases interleukin-1beta-induced iNOS protein synthesis, steady state iNOS mRNA expression, NO production, iNOS ge...

We have used monoclonal antibodies against cell-surface developmental epitopes in combination with micromagnetic beads to isolate phenotypically defined subpopulations of cholangiocyte marker-positive fetal liver epithelial cells (CMP-FLEC). Differentiation potential was evaluated by injecting cell isolates from dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) positive (DPPIV+) Fischer donor rats into the splee...

The fact that colchicines inhibits hepatic secretion of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) particles has been interpreted to mean that microtubules are involved in hepatic VLDL secretion. To further define this relationship, we have attempted to see if changes in hepatic VLDL secretion are associated with changes in hepatocyte microtubule or tubulin content. Accordingly, hepatic secretion of V...

The fact that colchicine inhibits hepatic secretion of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) particles has been interpreted to mean that microtubules are involved in hepatic V L D L secretion. To further define this relationship, we have at tempted to see if changes in hepatic V L D L secretion are associated with changes in hepatocyte microtubule or tubulin content. Accordingly, hepatic secretio...

Ajulemic acid is a synthetic analog of Δ(8)-THC-11-oic acid, the terminal metabolite of Δ(8)-THC. Unlike Δ(9)-THC, the psychoactive principle of Cannabis, it shows potent anti-inflammatory action and has minimal CNS cannabimimetic activity. Its in vitro metabolism by hepatocytes from rats, dogs, cynomolgus monkeys and humans was studied and the results are reported here. Five metabolites, M1 to...

Stem cell-derived hepatocytes may be an alternative cell source to treat liver diseases or to be used for pharmacological purposes. We developed a protocol that mimics mammalian liver development, to differentiate cells with pluripotent characteristics to hepatocyte-like cells. The protocol supports the stepwise differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (ESC) to cells with characteristics o...