Liver bud transplantation in rats

Abstract

Introduction: Research has made progress in organ fabrication using an extracellular matrix, cell sheets, or organoids. Human liver tissue has been constructed using a 3-dimensional (3D) bioprinter and showed evidence that an in vitro generated liver bud was reformed in a rodent liver model. This study describes the stages of development of rat fetal organs and liver structure and reviews recent progress in liver organoid transplantation. Methods: The authors developed the procedures for creating a transected plane for use in experimental microsurgery in rats. A liver lobe was fixed vertically with gauze and it was ligated with 6-0 silk suture in the cut line; the parenchyma was cut, and major vessels were ligated to create the transected plane. The ligated tissue was carefully resected. Hemostasis was not required and hepatic components remained on the transected plane. The plane was covered by omentum. Results: Using this model, we transplanted fetal liver or a 3D bioprinted liver organoid. This microsurgical method enabled creation of an intact liver parenchyma plane. No bleeding was observed. The transplanted liver components successfully engrafted on the liver. Conclusion: This method may provide an essential environment for growing liver using portal and arterial blood flow.