Use of precision-cut rat liver slices for studies of xenobiotic metabolism and toxicity: comparison of the Krumdieck and Brendel tissue slicers

Abstract

1. In this study we have compared freshly cut and cultured precision-cut rat liver slices produced by the Krumdieck and Brendel-Vitron tissue slicers. 2. No significant differences were observed in levels of protein, potassium, total glutathione (i.e. GSH and GSSG), reduced glutathione (GSH) and cytochrome P450 and activities of 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase and 7-benzoxyresorufin O-debenzylase in freshly cut rat liver slices produced by the two tissue slicers. However, levels of oxidized glutathione (GSSG) were significantly greater in liver slices produced with the Brendel-Vitron tissue slicer. 3. Precision-cut rat liver slices produced with both tissue slicers were cultured for 0 (i.e. a 1-h preincubation), 24 and 72 h in a dynamic organ culture system in an atmosphere of either 95% 02/5% CO2 or 95% air/5% CO2. 4. Apart from small differences in glutathione levels in 0 and 24 h cultured liver slices, no significant differences were observed in the parameters measured between liver slices prepared with both tissue slicers and cultured in both gas phases. 5. With liver slices produced by both tissue slicers 50 microM sodium arsenite produced a greater induction of heat shock protein 70 levels in slices cultured for 24 h in a high oxygen than in an air atmosphere. 6. These results suggest that both tissue slicers can readily produce precision-cut liver slices for studies of xenobiotic metabolism and toxicity. However, the data suggest that for any given application of precision-cut tissue slices it is desirable to establish optimal culture conditions

Improved reproducibility in preparing precision-cut liver tissue slices

“…Many different apparatuses have been tested for this pupose and so far, the Krumdieck tissue slicer (KD) and the Brendel-Vitron tissue slicer have been considered superior to other tissue slicers (Price et al 1998).…”

“…As a new slicing feature it includes a so-called Vibrocheck function, which minimizes vertical vibrating of the blade to reduce shearing of the tissue. Therefore, it was of interest to compare the new LV apparatus with the Krumdieck tissue slicer (KD) which has so far been used as the standard machine for slicing of liver samples (Krumdieck et al 1980;Price et al 1998).…”

Ex vivo analysis of antineoplastic agents in precision‐cut tissue slices of human origin: effects of cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibition in hepatocellular carcinoma

“…Both instruments allow the production of very thin slices (approximately 200 μm) of near‐identical dimension without major traumatization of the tissue. According to a comparative study, only minor differences exist between these two slicers (25).…”

Translational Research in Pharmacology and Toxicology Using Precision-Cut Tissue Slices

“…They all have a different design but only minor differences in quality of the PCTS were reported. 15,16 They all require the preparation of cylindrical cores of dened diameter (4-15 mm) that t precisely in the slicer's core holder (Figure 3.1). These cores are made from solid tissues, e.g.…”