In Vivo Differentiation of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cell into Hepatocytes.
- Author:
Kyeong Geun LEE
1
;
Kwang Soo LEE
;
Hwon Kyum PARK
;
Dongho CHOI
;
Han Joon KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Surgery, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. hepafel@hanyang.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Stem Cell Transplantation;
Cell Differentiation;
Mice;
Stem Cells;
Hepatocytes
- MeSH:
alpha-Fetoproteins;
Animals;
Antibodies;
Cell Differentiation;
Central Nervous System;
Diabetes Mellitus;
Embryonic Stem Cells*;
Glycogen;
Hepatocytes*;
Liver Diseases;
Mice*;
Mice, Nude;
Myelin Sheath;
Spinal Cord Injuries;
Stem Cell Transplantation;
Stem Cells;
Teratoma
- From:Korean Journal of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery
2005;9(2):95-101
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: Embryonic stem (ES) cells have been regarded as a powerful resource in cell replacement therapy. In recent reports, mouse ES cells have been successfully applied to the treatment of spinal cord injuries, hereditary myelin disorders of the central nervous system and diabetes mellitus. Various liver diseases are another group that could benefit from the availability of stem cell therapy; however, no previous demonstration has been made that shows the differentiation of ES cells into hepatocytes. METHODS: To investigate the in vivo differentiation potential of mouse ES cells, we injected ES cells into the splenic cortex of immuno-suppressed nude mice. RESULTS: In a histological analysis of the teratomas derived from injected ES cells some areas were shown, due to their morphology, to contain typical hepatocytes. The hepatic nature of these cells was further confirmed by immunohistochemical assays using the antibody against alpha-fetoprotein and hepatocyte-specific antibodies. In addition, periodic acid-Shiff staining revealed a small portion of hepatic area in the ES-derived teratoma produced glycogen, implying these cells are functional hepatocytes. CONCLUSION: Our case demonstrated for the first time that mouse ES cells can differentiate in vivo into a mixed population of hepatocytes with different maturation stati, which could potentially extend the usage of ES cells in cell replacement therapy for various liver diseases.
