Application of Autologous Bone Marrow Stem Cells for the Treatment of Acute Liver Necrosis in Monkey

Objective A monkey model was used to determine the feasibility of treating acute liver necrosis by injecting autologous bone marrow stem cells via the portal vein. Methods Ten 7-10 years old monkeys were induced to develop liver necrosis by daily subcutaneous injection with 40% CCL4 0.8 ml/kg for 4 days. The animals were then randomely divided into experimental and control groups. In the experimental group, autologous marrow stem cells(3×108) were tranplanted into liver through the injection of cells via the portal vein. Enzymes related to the liver function, proteins, lipids and bilirubin content in plasma were analyzed by an automatic biochemical analyzer. The change of liver functions was monitored by both histopathologic and biochemical methods 60 days after transplantation. Results After CCL4 injection, hepatocyte necrosis was noted. An increased in GLOB, TBIL, ALT and AST activity (P 0.001) was also observed. The levels of TP, ALB, and HDL were not changed (P 0.05) in plasma. Sixty days after bone marrow transplantation, the activity of AST and ALT, and the levels of GLBO and BIL were lower than the control group(P0.05). However, the levels of TP, ALB, and LDL were higher than the control group (P0.05). Conclusion A monkey liver necrosis model was successfully established by injecting the monkey with 40% CCL4 injection. Autologous bone marrow stem cells transplanted through the portal vein is feasible,and the transplanted stem cells can repopulate in the necrotic liver.