Hepatocytes immobilised by microencapsulation in artificial cells: effects on hyperbilirubinemia in Gunn rats

The possibility of using hepatocytes encapsulated in a calcium-alginate-polylysine matrix to lower bilirubin levels in hyperbilirubinemia was investigated. The animal model was the Gunn rat. The microencapsulated hepatocytes were injected intraperitoneally. 15 X 10(6) microencapsulated hepatocytes from Wistar rats, lowered the bilirubin from 14 mg/100 ml to 6 mg/100 ml after 20 days. The bilirubin is still depressed after 90 days. After encapsulation, Sprague-Dawley hepatocytes were as effective as free hepatocytes in lowering bilirubin levels in Gunn rats. After 68 days, the free Sprague-Dawley hepatocytes were not rejected.