Entry and integration of transplanted hepatocytes in rat liver plates occur by disruption of hepatic sinusoidal endothelium

To establish the process by which transplanted cells integrate into the liver parenchyma, we used dipeptidyl peptidase IV-deficient F344 rats as hosts. On intrasplenic injection, transplanted hepatocytes immediately entered liver sinusoids, along with attenuation of portal vein radicles on angiography. However, a large fraction of transplanted cells (>70%) was rapidly cleared from portal spaces by phagocyte/macrophage responses. On the other hand, transplanted hepatocytes entering the hepatic sinusoids showed superior survival. These cells translocated from sinusoids into liver plates between 16 and 20 hours after transplantation, during which electron microscopy showed disruption of the sinusoidal endothelium. Interestingly, production of vascular endothelial growth factor was observed in hepatocytes before endothelial disruptions. Portal hypertension and angiographic changes resulting from cell transplantation resolved promptly. Integration of transplanted hepatocytes in the liver parenchyma required cell membrane regenesis, with hybrid gap junctions and bile canaliculi forming over 3 to 7 days after cell transplantation. We propose that strategies to deposit cells into distal hepatic sinusoids, to disrupt sinusoidal endothelium for facilitating cell entry into liver plates, and to accelerate cell integrations into liver parenchyma will advance applications of hepatocyte transplantation.

Hepatic sinusoidal vasodilators improve transplanted cell engraftment and ameliorate microcirculatory perturbations in the liver

After transplantation, hepatocytes entering liver sinusoids are engrafted, whereas cells entrapped in portal spaces are cleared. We studied whether hepatic sinusoidal dilatation will increase the entry of transplanted cells in the liver lobule, improve cell engraftment, and decrease microcirculatory perturbations. F344 rat hepatocytes were transplanted intrasplenically into syngeneic dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV)-deficient rats. Animals were treated with adrenergic receptor blockers (phentolamine, labetalol), a calcium channel blocker (nifedipine), and splanchnic vasodilators (nitroglycerine, calcitonin gene-related peptide [CGRP], glucagon). Transplanted cells were localized by histochemistry. The hepatic microcirculation was studied with in vivo videomicroscopy. Changes in cell translocations were analyzed by injection of (99m)Tc-labeled hepatocytes. Pretreatment with phentolamine and nitroglycerine increased transplanted cell entry in liver sinusoids, whereas labetalol, nifedipine, CGRP, and glucagon were ineffective. Increased deposition of transplanted cells in sinusoids resulted in greater cell engraftment. In vivo microscopy showed disruption of sinusoidal blood flow immediately after cell transplantation with circulatory restoration requiring more than 12 to 24 hours after cell transplantation. However, in nitroglycerine-treated animals, sinusoidal blood flow was perturbed less. Nitroglycerine did not meaningfully increase intrapulmonary cell translocations. In conclusion, these findings indicate that hepatic sinusoidal capacitance is regulated by alpha-adrenergic- and nitroglycerine-responsive elements. Sinusoidal vasodilatation benefited intrahepatic distribution of transplanted cells and restored hepatic microcirculation after cell transplantation. This shall facilitate optimization of clinical cell transplantation and offers novel ways to investigate vascular mechanisms regulating hepatic sinusoidal reactivity.

Partial hepatectomy-induced polyploidy attenuates hepatocyte replication and activates cell aging events

In understanding mechanisms of liver repopulation with transplanted hepatocytes, we studied the consequences of hepatic polyploidization in the two-thirds partial hepatectomy model of liver regeneration. Liver repopulation studies using genetically marked rodent hepatocytes showed that the number of previously transplanted hepatocytes did not increase in the liver with subsequential partial hepatectomy. In contrast, recipients undergoing partial hepatectomy before cells were transplanted showed proliferation in transplanted hepatocytes, with kinetics of DNA synthesis differing in transplanted and host hepatocytes. Also, partial hepatectomy caused multiple changes in the rat liver, including accumulation of polyploid hepatocytes along with prolonged depletion of diploid hepatocytes, as well as increased senescence-associated beta-galactosidase and p21 expression. Remnant hepatocytes in the partially hepatectomized liver showed increased autofluorescence and cytoplasmic complexity on flow cytometry, which are associated with lipofuscin accumulation during cell aging, and underwent apoptosis more frequently. Moreover, hepatocytes from the partially hepatectomized liver showed attenuated proliferative capacity in cell culture. These findings were compatible with decreased proliferative potential of hepatocytes experiencing partial hepatectomy compared with hepatocytes from the unperturbed liver. Attenuation of proliferative capacity and other changes in hepatocytes experiencing partial hepatectomy offer novel perspectives concerning liver regeneration in the context of cell ploidy.

Position-specific gene expression in the liver lobule is directed by the microenvironment and not by the previous cell differentiation state

Mechanisms directing position-specific liver gene regulation are incompletely understood. To establish whether this aspect of hepatic gene expression is an inveterate phenomenon, we used transplanted hepatocytes as reporters in dipeptidyl peptidase IV-deficient F344 rats. After integration in liver parenchyma, the position of transplanted cells was shifted from periportal to perivenous areas by targeted hepatic ablations with carbon tetrachloride. In controls, transplanted cells showed greater glucose-6-phosphatase and lesser glycogen content in periportal areas. This pattern was reversed when transplanted cells shifted from periportal to perivenous areas. Transplanted hepatocytes in perivenous areas exhibited inducible cytochrome P450 activity, which was deficient in periportal hepatocytes. Moreover, cytochrome P450 activity was rapidly extinguished in activated hepatocytes when these cells were transplanted into the nonpermissive liver of suckling rat pups. In cells isolated from the normal F344 rat liver, cytochrome P450 inducibility was originally greater in perivenous hepatocytes; however, periportal cells rapidly acquired this facility in culture conditions. These findings indicate that the liver microenvironment exerts supremacy over prior differentiation state of cells in directing position-specific gene expression. Therefore, persistence of specialized hepatocellular function will require interactions with regulatory signals and substrate availability, which bears upon further analysis of liver gene regulation, including in progenitor and/or stem cells.

Transplanted hepatocytes engraft, survive, and proliferate in the liver of rats with carbon tetrachloride-induced cirrhosis

Repopulation of the cirrhotic liver with disease-resistant hepatocytes could offer novel therapies, as well as systems for biological studies. Establishing whether transplanted hepatocytes can engraft, survive, and proliferate in the cirrhotic liver is a critical demonstration. Dipeptidyl peptidase IV-deficient F344 rats were used to localize transplanted hepatocytes isolated from the liver of syngeneic normal F344 rats. Cirrhosis was induced by administration of carbon tetrachloride with phenobarbitone and these drugs were withdrawn prior to cell transplantation. Cirrhotic rats showed characteristic hepatic histology, as well as significant portosystemic shunting. When hepatocytes were transplanted via the spleen, cells were distributed immediately in periportal areas, fibrous septa, and regenerative nodules of the cirrhotic liver. Although some transplanted cells translocated into pulmonary capillaries, this was not deleterious. At 1 week, transplanted cells were fully integrated in the liver parenchyma, along with expression of glucose-6-phosphatase and glycogen as reporters of hepatic function. Transplanted cells proliferated in the liver of cirrhotic animals and survived indefinitely. At 1 year, transplanted hepatocytes formed large clusters containing several-fold more cells than normal control animals, which was in agreement with increased cell turnover in the cirrhotic rat liver. The findings indicate that the cirrhotic liver can be repopulated with functionally intact hepatocytes that are capable of proliferating. Liver repopulation using disease-resistant hepatocytes will be applicable in chronic conditions, such as viral hepatitis or Wilson's disease.

Cell transplantation causes loss of gap junctions and activates GGT expression permanently in host liver

Cell transplantation into hepatic sinusoids, which is necessary for liver repopulation, could cause hepatic ischemia. To examine the effects of cell transplantation on host hepatocytes, we transplanted Fisher 344 rat hepatocytes into syngeneic dipeptidyl peptidase IV-deficient rats. Within 24 h of cell transplantation, areas of ischemic necrosis, along with transient disruption of gap junctions, appeared in the liver. Moreover, host hepatocytes expressed gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) extensively, which was observed even 2 years after cell transplantation. GGT expression was not associated with alpha-fetoprotein activation, which is present in progenitor cells. Increased GGT expression was apparent after transplantation of nonparenchymal cells and latex beads but not after injection of saline, fragmented hepatocytes, hepatocyte growth factor, or turpentine. Some host hepatocytes exhibited apoptosis, as well as DNA synthesis, between 24 and 48 h after cell transplantation. Changes in gap junctions, GGT expression, DNA synthesis, and apoptosis after cell transplantation were prevented by vasodilators. The findings indicated the onset of ischemic liver injury after cell transplantation. These hepatic perturbations must be considered when transplanted cells are utilized as reporters for biological studies.

Transplanted reporter cells help in defining onset of hepatocyte proliferation during the life of F344 rats

Transplanted hepatocytes integrate in the liver parenchyma and exhibit gene expression patterns that are similar to adjacent host hepatocytes. To determine the fate of genetically marked hepatocytes in the context of hepatocellular proliferation throughout the rodent life span, we transplanted Fischer 344 (F344) rat hepatocytes into syngeneic dipeptidyl peptidase IV-deficient rats. The proliferative activity in transplanted hepatocytes was studied in animals ranging in age from a few days to 2 yr. Transplanted hepatocytes proliferated during liver development between 1 and 6 wk of age, each dividing an estimated two to five times. DNA synthesis in occasional cells was demonstrated by localizing bromodeoxyuridine incorporation. There was no evidence for transplanted cell proliferation between 6 wk and 1 yr of age. Subsequently, transplanted cells proliferated again, with increased sizes of transplanted cell clusters at 18 and 24 mo of age. The proliferative activity of transplanted cells was greater in rats entering senescence compared with during postnatal liver development. In old rats, some liver lobules were composed entirely of transplanted cells. We conclude that hepatocyte proliferation in the livers of very young and old F344 rats is regulated in a temporally determined, biphasic manner. The findings will be relevant to mechanisms concerning liver development, senescence, and oncogenesis, as well as to cell and gene therapy.

An antigen reacting with das-1 monoclonal antibody is ontogenically regulated in diverse organs including liver and indicates sharing of developmental mechanisms among cell lineages

The monoclonal antibody designated mAb Das-1, which was generated against a colon epithelial protein, reacts with the normal biliary epithelium and keratinocytes, which are among targets of tissue injury in ulcerative colitis. Moreover, mAb Das-1 reacts with abnormal cells in Barrett's esophagus and chronic cystitis profunda, as well as so-called 'oval cells' in the adult liver, which are considered oncogenic progenitor cells. To establish ontogenic regulation of mAb Das-1 reactivity, we studied 7- to 24-week-old human fetuses by immunohistochemistry. In liver, mAb Das-1 reactivity was further correlated with glycogen, dipeptidyl peptidase IV, glucose-6-phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase expression. mAb Das-1 reacted with cells in organs arising from the pharyngeal cleft (thymus), primitive gut (oral cavity, pharynx, lung, esophagus, stomach, biliary tree, pancreas, liver, colon), ureteric bud (renal tubules, collecting duct), mesonephros (kidney, testis), mesoderm (muscle) and elsewhere (skin, adrenal cortex). In distinction from the adult liver, mAb Das-1 staining was more pronounced in hepatoblasts compared with biliary cells. In adult tissues, however, mAb Das-1 reactivity was restricted to the colon, biliary epithelium, keratinocytes, and ciliary body. These data indicated that the mAb Das-1 recognized epitopes in fetal cells of diverse ectodermal, mesodermal and endodermal origin, compatible with sharing of lineage mechanisms in tissues. Reactivation of mAb Das-1 staining in epithelial precancerous conditions, including carcinomas arising in these organs, is compatible with oncofetal regulation of the antigen, which will facilitate analysis of cell subpopulations during organ development, regeneration and oncogenesis.

Differentiation-specific regulation of transgene expression in a diploid epithelial cell line derived from the normal F344 rat liver

To establish the differentiation potential of progenitor cells, non-parenchymal epithelial cells from the F344 rat liver (FNRL cells) were studied. These cells reacted with the OV-6 antibody marker of oval cells, but were negative for hepatocyte markers (albumin, transferrin, glycogen, glucose-6-phosphatase, H4 antigen), biliary markers (gamma glutamyl transpeptidase, cytokeratin-19), and alpha-fetoprotein, although exposure to sodium butyrate induced nascent albumin and alpha-fetoprotein mRNA transcription. When stably transduced, FNRL cells expressed a retroviral promotor-driven lacZ reporter in vitro, similar to transgene expression in hepatocyte-derived HepG2 cells. However, lacZ expression in FNRL cells was rapidly extinguished in intact animals, whereas the reporter remained active in HepG2 cells. Transplanted FNRL cells showed copious glucose-6-phosphatase expression; however, the cell differentiation programme remained incomplete, despite two-thirds partial hepatectomy, D-galactosamine treatment or bile duct ligation. Interestingly, lacZ expression resumed in cultures of FNRL cells explanted from recipients. Moreover, lacZ expression was down-regulated by gamma-interferon in FNRL cells, without affecting lacZ activity in HepG2 cells. The data indicate that although subpopulations of oval cells may not fully differentiate into mature hepatocytes, these cells might serve critical functions, such as glucose utilization, and help survival after liver injury. Also, introduced genes may be regulated in progenitor cells at multiple levels, including by interactions between regulatory sequences, differentiation-specific cellular factors, and extracellular signals; in vivo studies are thus especially important for analysing gene regulation in progenitor cells.

Hepatocyte transplantation improves survival in mice with liver toxicity induced by hepatic overexpression of Mad1 transcription factor

Hepatic overexpression of Mad1 with an adenoviral vector, AdMad, induced liver toxicity in immunodeficient mice. Transduction of cultured hepatocytes with AdMad inhibited cellular DNA synthesis and cell cycling, along with increased lactate dehydrogenase release, indicating cytotoxicity. When dipeptidyl peptidase IV-deficient F344 rat hepatocytes were transplanted into the liver of immunodeficient mice after treatment with AdMad, significant portions of the liver were repopulated. This was in agreement with corresponding losses of host hepatocytes, which showed increased apoptosis rates. Mortality in mice following AdMad treatment decreased significantly when animals were subjected to hepatocyte transplantation. The findings indicated that Mad1 overexpression perturbed hepatocyte survival. Investigation of pathophysiological mechanisms concerning specific cell cycle regulators in acute liver toxicity will thus be appropriate. Cell therapy has potential for treating acute liver injury under suitable circumstances.

Rapid clearance of syngeneic transplanted hepatocytes following transduction with E-1-deleted adenovirus indicates early host immune responses and offers novel ways for studying viral vector, target cell and host interactions

To distinguish between transduced cell clearance and transgene regulation following adenoviral gene transfer, we infected F344 rat hepatocytes with an E-1-deleted adenovirus (Ad beta gal) and studied cell survival in the liver of dipeptidyl peptidase IV-deficient (DPPIV-) F344 rats. Transplanted cells were localized with histochemical staining for DPPIV and transgene expression localized with staining for beta-galactosidase (lacZ). The transgene was expressed in 90-100% hepatocytes without impairment in cell viability in vitro, although transplanted cells were cleared mostly within 1 day by infiltrates containing activated macrophages, CD4+ or CD8+ lymphocytes, and phagocytes. When Ad beta gal-transduced hepatocytes were transplanted repeatedly at 14-day intervals, transplanted cells were cleared rapidly each time. LacZ expression following Ad beta gal administration to intact animals was associated with apoptosis and unscheduled DNA synthesis in the liver. To determine whether adenoviral antigen expression activated consequential MHC-restricted liver injury, we transplanted Ad beta gal-hepatocytes followed subsequently by transplantation of nontransduced hepatocytes. Transplanted cells expressing Ad beta gal were rapidly cleared as before, whereas nontransduced hepatocytes engrafted with progressive liver repopulation. The findings indicated that adenovirally transduced cells are cleared early in the host liver. Use of ex vivo strategies will facilitate analysis of modified adenoviral vectors in the context of immunoregulatory, cellular and viral mechanisms.

Transplanted hepatocytes engraft, survive, and proliferate in the liver of rats with carbon tetrachloride-induced cirrhosis

Repopulation of the cirrhotic liver with disease-resistant hepatocytes could offer novel therapies, as well as systems for biological studies. Establishing whether transplanted hepatocytes can engraft, survive, and proliferate in the cirrhotic liver is a critical demonstration. Dipeptidyl peptidase IV-deficient F344 rats were used to localize transplanted hepatocytes isolated from the liver of syngeneic normal F344 rats. Cirrhosis was induced by administration of carbon tetrachloride with phenobarbitone and these drugs were withdrawn prior to cell transplantation. Cirrhotic rats showed characteristic hepatic histology, as well as significant portosystemic shunting. When hepatocytes were transplanted via the spleen, cells were distributed immediately in periportal areas, fibrous septa, and regenerative nodules of the cirrhotic liver. Although some transplanted cells translocated into pulmonary capillaries, this was not deleterious. At 1 week, transplanted cells were fully integrated in the liver parenchyma, along with expression of glucose-6-phosphatase and glycogen as reporters of hepatic function. Transplanted cells proliferated in the liver of cirrhotic animals and survived indefinitely. At 1 year, transplanted hepatocytes formed large clusters containing several-fold more cells than normal control animals, which was in agreement with increased cell turnover in the cirrhotic rat liver. The findings indicate that the cirrhotic liver can be repopulated with functionally intact hepatocytes that are capable of proliferating. Liver repopulation using disease-resistant hepatocytes will be applicable in chronic conditions, such as viral hepatitis or Wilson's disease.

Amelioration of radiation-induced liver damage in partially hepatectomized rats by hepatocyte transplantation

Hepatic tumors often recur in the liver after surgical resection. Postoperative radiotherapy (RT) could improve survival, but curative RT may induce delayed life-threatening radiation-induced liver damage. Because RT inhibits liver regeneration, we hypothesized that unirradiated, transplanted hepatocytes would proliferate preferentially in a partially resected and irradiated liver, providing metabolic support. We subjected F344 rats to hepatic RT and partial hepatectomy with/without a single intrasplenic, syngeneic hepatocyte transplantation. Hepatocyte transplantation ameliorated radiation-induced liver damage and improved survival of rats receiving RT after partial hepatectomy. We further demonstrated that transplanted hepatocytes extensively repopulate and function in a heavily irradiated rat liver.

Holistic evaluation of the environmental impacts of shipping in the sensitive region of Ria de Aveiro

Shipping activity can be a substantial source of pollution and impact on the environment, including air, water and ecosystems, as well as adverse health and climatic effects. Due to the distribution of maritime transport activity routes in the EU, a large portion of the population is exposed to shipping pollution throughout Europe. The ongoing European project EMERGE aims to investigate and quantify these impacts over Europe, and in more detail, in specific case studies regions. The Aveiro lagoon region in Portugal is one of these case studies. This region is a Natura 2000 area, and also includes a medium-sized port. Both air quality and water modelling tools were applied to assess the impact of the emissions and discharges from shipping (to air and water) in the region in 2018. Additionally, ecotoxicological impacts were determined by bioassays to evaluate the impact of scrubber-water discharges on the most sensitive stages of marine invertebrates, and on the post-exposure feeding inhibition of crustacean and bivalve species. The results show that there was a substantial increase in atmospheric pollutant concentrations due to emissions attributed to shipping, which was most relevant for NOx and SO2 (up to a 30 % shipping contribution). There was no significant degradation of the water quality, mainly as the ships operating in this area did not have scrubber equipment. The ecotoxicological tests were performed with three samples of scrubber water, including one artificial sample and two samples collected on-board ships. If scrubber water would have been discharged in this area, the results indicated that the majority of the tested species would be exposed to lowest observed effect concentration (LOEC) for the different scrubber-water samples, as well as to substantial concentrations of metals, PAHs, and alkylated PAHs.