Transplantation of isolated hepatocytes. A review of current ideas

Over the past decade there has been an increase in interest in studies of transplantation of isolated hepatocytes. The survival of hepatocytes in sites distant from the normal hepatic circulation has provided insights into cell proliferation and phenotypic expression of liver-specific functions. The possibility of treating liver insufficiency in disease has also been investigated. The present review is intended to give an account of the development of methods for the study of hepatocyte transplantation, techniques for assessment of graft function and future possibilities for application of the technique.