Simplified method for isolation of intact avian and rat liver parencymal cells

A new, simplified procedure is described for the isolation of intact liver cells from cockerel or rat liver. The technique involves a 15 min perfusion of the liver in situ through the portal vein with a solution of collagenase and hyaluronidase, and subsequent incubation of the minced liver in the enzyme solution. The yield of cells was excellent. Most cells excluded a vital stain and were undamaged when viewed with the electron microscope. The cells actively incorporated labeled precursors into lipids and proteins without specific cofactor requirements and responded to insulin in vitro. The biosynthetic capacity of the cells was retained for several days in culture.