Hepatocytic parental progenitor cells of rat small hepatocytes

We analyzed gene expression of hepatocytic parental progenitor cells in a population of small hepatocytes. The hepatocytic parental progenitor cells possess self-renewal capability. These cells maintain the ability to differentiate into mature hepatocytes. Primary rat small hepatocytes were isolated from fresh livers by using collagenase perfusion method and cultured in serum-free medium. Nine days after plating, colonies were treated with a separation solution and CD44+ cells were isolated by using MACS methods.The sorted CD44+ cells were cultured in Matrigel-coated dishes and passaged every 4 weeks. Second passage cells were cultured for 14 days and then treated with Matrigel-overlay for 7 days. As a control, mature hepatocytes were isolated from fresh livers.