Alpha-keto acid metabolism by hepatocytes cultured in a hybrid liver support bioreactor
Fuchs, M.; Gerlach, J.; Unger, J.; Encke, J.; Smith, M.; Neuhaus, P.; Nündel, M.; Riedel, E.
International Journal of Artificial Organs 17(10): 554-558
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0391-3988 PMID: 7896430 Document Number: 429787
Isolated pig liver cells cultured using a perfusion technique were analyzed over 39 days to test their ability to change the perfusate alpha-keto acid profile. While the pyruvate concentration in the culture medium decreased as of the first day, the alpha-ketoglutarate (KG), alpha-ketoisocaproate (KIC), alpha-ketoisovalerate (KIV) and alpha-keto-beta-methyl-n-valerate (KMV) were synthesized immediately and released by the liver cells. The metabolic capacity of the cell culture system increased up to day 10, decreased during the following 5 days and reached a steady state beyond day 15, which was maintained for at least 30 days. The branched chain alpha-keto acid release, in particular alpha-ketoisocaproate, reflects an effective transamination capacity of the newly developed culture system and shows an intact protein biosynthesis for at least 30 days in vitro.