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We tested the effects of low (20% O2) and high (70% O2) oxygen tension on the morphological and biochemical integrity of human liver slices incubated for up to 72 h in supplemented Williams' E medium in a dynamic rotating culture system. High oxygen tension was more effective than low oxygen tension for preserving morphological integrity in long-term culture (48-72 h). After 72 h of culture with 70% O2, the lobular pattern was well preserved, and the survival of hepatocytes (approximately 80%) and other cell types was good. Immunohistochemical studies showed good preservation of the region-specific expression of CYP2EI and CYP3A4 isoenzymes for up to 72 h of incubation in 70% O2. As compared to 20% O2, the oxidized glutathione content and reactive oxygen species production were slightly increased in 70% O2, suggesting that minimal oxidative stress occurred with the high oxygen tension. In conclusion, despite slight oxidative stress associated with high oxygen tension, 70% O2 appeared more appropriate than 20% O2 for preserving the morphological and biochemical integrity of human liver slices cultured in a dynamic organ culture system for up to 72 h.

Cultured human liver slices are an attractive alternative to hepatocyte culture for the prediction of human CYP isoenzyme induction by xenobiotics.

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