Objective: To observe the expression pattern of albumin during the hepatocyte differentiation by human bone marrow stem cells in vitro.
Methods: Human bone marrow cells were harvested and cultured in the presence of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and lymphocyte inhibitory factor (LIF). Cells were stained immunohistochemically by albumin specific antibody and examined under a confocal microscope. Supernatant albumin level was measured biochemically on a serial time points of the culture.
Results: By this condition, the attached cells became mature morphologically in 1 week of culture. Hepatocyte-specific albumin could be detected in mature cells. The albumin level revealed a time-dependent change during a 4-week culture.
Conclusion: Human bone marrow cells could be induced to differentiate to mature hepatocytes that produce and secret albumin in vitro. These cells may contribute to a stable source of hepatocytes for clinical hepatocyte transplantation and artificial liver support system.