Human amniotic fluid-derived stem cells can differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells in vitro and in vivo

摘要: Although human amniotic fluid is an attractive source of multipotent stem cells, the potential cells (AFSCs) to differentiate into hepatic has not been extensively evaluated. In this study, we examined whether AFSCs can a cell lineage in vitro and vivo. After being treated with cytokines (fibroblast growth factor 4, basic fibroblast factor, hepatocyte oncostatin), developed morphology similar that hepatocytes. RT-PCR immunofluorescence analysis showed expressed hepatocyte-specific markers albumin, cytokeratin 18, alpha-fetoprotein. The differentiated also functions, i.e., they secreted absorbed indocyanine green, stored glycogen. When transplanted CCl4-injured immunodeficient mice, undifferentiated were integrated liver tissue, characteristic mature integration was limited (0.1–0.3% hepatocytes), histological recipient mice recovered more rapidly from CCl4 injury than did receive AFSCs. hepatocyte-like vivo represent easily accessible progenitor for regeneration transplantation.