[Study on the biologic function of extracorporeal bioartificial liver support system].

In this study, a total of 2 x 10(8) hepatocytes and nonparenchymal liver cells cultured as aggregate spheroids and a hollow fiber bioreactor were used to set up the extracorporeal bioartificial liver support system (EBLSS). Its function was determined throungh the analysis of some cells production. After 6 hours circulating of EBLSS, the total protein, albumin, alpha-fetoprotein and urea were markedly increased in the circulating media, and the DNA synthesis of rat hepatocytes cultured in the media was significantly increased (compared with control group, P < 0.01). This suggests that the EBLSS which consists of cultured human liver cells and hollow fiber bioreactor has the biologic function of liver and has a stimulative action on the proliferation of hepatocytes.