[Characteristics of human embryonal hepatocytes cultivated in vitro]

A simple and reproducible method for cultivation of human embryo (7--12-week) hepatocytes in a monolayer is presented. The culture showed the capacity for limited growth, displayed a viability for 4 to 6 weeks without being subcultured, and retained some specific characteristics: synthesis of serum protein (albumin and alpha-fetoprotein), a significant amount of glycogen, a high activity of monaminooxidase, and a characteristics response to a high concentration of glucocorticoids. These properties are useful as markers for genetic experiments or for selection.