Co-culture of fibroblasts and hepatic parenchymal cells induces metabolic changes and formation of a three-dimensional structure

Cell Biol Int Rep. 1989 Feb;13(2):197-206. doi: 10.1016/0309-1651(89)90066-0.

Abstract

Co-culturing of tendon fibroblasts and liver parenchymal cells in Williams' medium E supplemented with fetal bovine serum, hormones, and L-ascorbic acid 2-phosphate, a long acting vitamin C derivative, resulted in formation of three-dimensional structure. Both growth of fibroblasts and their production of collagen were inhibited, however production of albumin by the hepatocytes was much better preserved than when individual cells were cultured separately, indicating epithelial-mesenchymal interactions stimulate reorganization of the liver-like tissue from isolated cells.

MeSH terms

  • Achilles Tendon
  • Albumins / biosynthesis*
  • Animals
  • Ascorbic Acid / analogs & derivatives
  • Ascorbic Acid / pharmacology
  • Cell Count
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Collagen / analysis
  • Collagen / biosynthesis*
  • Culture Media
  • DNA / analysis
  • Fibroblasts / cytology*
  • Fibroblasts / metabolism
  • Fibroblasts / ultrastructure
  • Liver / cytology*
  • Liver / metabolism
  • Liver / ultrastructure
  • Male
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred Strains

Substances

  • Albumins
  • Culture Media
  • ascorbic acid 2-sulfate
  • Collagen
  • DNA
  • Ascorbic Acid