Artificial liver device

US5866420A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture · US

Inventors

• Neil C. Talbot · Silver Spring, US
• Christopher W. Kemp · Frederick, US
• Thomas J. Caperna · Arnold, US
• Caird E. Rexroad, Jr. · Gambrills, US
• Vernon G. Pursel · Highland, US
• Anne M. Powell · Bowie, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 1, 1996
• Grant date: Feb 2, 1999
• Expiry date: Jul 1, 2016

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C12N2502/13
• WIPO field: Biotechnology
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Continuous cultures of pluripotent parenchymal hepatocytes were derived from the epiblasts of pig blastocysts. The cultures are feeder-dependent and grow slowly with doubling times of 3 to 4 days. They differentiate into large secretory duct-like structures or form small canaliculi. In combination with feeder cells and, optionally, adult pig hepatocytes and macrophages, the cells are useful in an artificial liver device which may be utilized as temporary liver support for the mitigation of the pathological effects of liver failure.