Small animal models of hepatocyte transplantation

Methods Mol Biol. 2009:481:75-82. doi: 10.1007/978-1-59745-201-4_7.

Abstract

In this chapter, we describe techniques used to determine the efficiency of hepatocyte transplantation in animal models of liver disease. We have included the Gunn rat as a model of an inherited liver disease without hepatocyte damage and Abcb4 knockout mice as a model for an inherited liver disease with hepatocyte damage. Immunodeficient mice are included as an animal model for human hepatocyte transplantation.We describe problems that can be encountered in the maintenance and breeding of Gunn rats and immunodeficient Rag2/gamma common knockout mice. Protocols for the collection of bile in rats and mice are described, and we have also detailed the detection of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labelled human hepatocytes in immunodeficient mice in this chapter.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B / genetics
  • ATP-Binding Cassette Sub-Family B Member 4
  • Animal Feed
  • Animals
  • Bile / metabolism
  • Crigler-Najjar Syndrome / metabolism
  • Crigler-Najjar Syndrome / pathology
  • Crigler-Najjar Syndrome / therapy
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / metabolism
  • Hepatocytes / metabolism
  • Hepatocytes / pathology
  • Hepatocytes / transplantation*
  • Interleukin Receptor Common gamma Subunit / genetics
  • Liver Transplantation / methods*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Models, Animal*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Gunn

Substances

  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Interleukin Receptor Common gamma Subunit
  • Rag2 protein, mouse
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins