This study is designed to ascertain the most effective quantity and injection route of hepatocytes in an acute liver failure model induced by massive liver resection in rats.

Rats weighing 450 to 650 gm underwent partial hepatectomy that was 80% of their liver weight, resulting in acute liver failure. Hepatocytes were obtained by perfusing collagenase (Wako, Japan) solution through portal vein into liver of the allogenic rat. These hepatocytes were injected into different places with different dosage. The experimental groups were divided into the Control group, Splenic group I (2×10⁶ cells into splenic capsule), Splenic group II (2×10⁷ cells into splenic capsule), Portal vein group (2×10⁷ cells into portal vein), Subperitoneal group (2×10⁷ cells into subperitoneum). The experimental animals were observed carefully for 5 days for assessment of survival and regeneration of liver. Liver function tests including serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total bilirubin, gamma-glutamyl transferase (γ-GTP) on postoperative 1, 2, 3, 5th days and histologic examinations of specimens obtained from each respective groups on postoperative 5th day were performed.

Serum ALT level on postoperative day 1 peaked and then gradually normalized showing statistical significance ( p =0.035). Study groups showing statistically significant difference under repeated anova analysis were between the Splenic group II and Control ( p =0.035), and between the Splenic group II and Portal vein group ( p =0.001) with respect to serum ALT levels. Also, progression of each study group showed statistical significance. ( p =0.02). Serum total bilirubin and r-GTP did not show any significant difference.

Hepatocyte transplantation of 2×10⁷ cells into spleen showed the best results in the acute hepatic failure rat.