To evaluate the intrahepatic diffusion of cells after transplant, 1.0 × 106 untreated or AEM1-treated cells were labeled with DIR immediately before intrasplenic injection47 (link). Migration of transplanted cells from the spleen to the liver was detected after 30 min and after 24 h by the In vivo F-PRO (Bruker). The presence of transplanted HepaRG cells was also evaluated in the explanted spleen and liver after 4 weeks.
The day after HepaRG cell transplantation, liver injury was induced by administration of an anti-Fas monoclonal Ab (Jo2/CD95, BD Bioscences), once weekly for 4 weeks. Mice were divided in the following groups:
Controls, transplanted with vehicle (n = 4);
Transplanted with untreated HepaRG cells (n = 4);
Transplanted with AEM1-treated HepaRG cells (n = 4).