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Updated: Nov 12, 2025

Rat Liver Perfusion and Primary Hepatocytes Isolation: An Old Procedure Crucial for Cutting-Edge 3D Organoids Culture
Published on: November 22, 2024
Characterization of rat liver bud-derived cells
Dara Rúbia Souza Silva1, Ana Claudia Oliveira Carreira2, Amanda Olivotti Ferreira1
1Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ), University of Sao Paulo (USP), Prof. Dr Orlando Marques de Paiva Avenue, 87, University City, Sao Paulo, SP 05508-270, Brazil.
Fetal liver progenitor stem cells from early gestational days (12.5-14.5) exhibit ideal characteristics for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. These cells show promising progenitor cell profiles and hematopoietic function in culture.
Area of Science:
- Stem Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Fetal liver cells are a valuable source of progenitor stem cells.
- These cells hold potential for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate progenitor stem cell characteristics of embryo and fetal liver-bud derived cells from Fischer 344 rats at different gestational days (E12.5, E14.5, E16.5).
- To assess cell phenotype, survival, proliferation, and functional markers.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and culture of liver-bud derived cells at E12.5, E14.5, and E16.5.
- Analysis of liver transaminases (AST, ALT), AFP levels, stem cell markers, cell cycle progression, cell death markers, and mitochondrial electric potential.
- Flow cytometry analysis for cell cycle phases (G0/G1, S, G2/M).
Main Results:
- E12.5 embryo liver-bud derived cells showed lower AST, ALT, and AFP levels.
- Differential expression of stem cell, cell cycle, and cell death markers was observed in E12.5 cultures.
- Cells from later gestational days (E14.5, E16.5) exhibited a tendency towards lower metabolic and functional activity compared to E12.5 cells.
- The majority of E16.5 cells were in the G0/G1 phase, while synthesis (S) and division (G2/M) capacities remained constant across gestational periods.
Conclusions:
- Embryo and fetal liver-bud derived cells from gestational days 12.5 and 14.5 display a progenitor cell expression profile.
- These early-stage cells demonstrate significant cell activity and hematopoietic function in culture, supporting their potential in regenerative medicine.

