Direct hepatic differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells induced by valproic acid and cytokines

Figure 4 Functional characterization of the hepatic lineage cells. A: Bile duct-like structures formed from the VPA-induced hepatic progenitor cells cultured on collagen I coated dishes; B: Bile duct-like structures were stained CK19 positive; C: Bile duct-like structures formed from the VPA-induced hepatic progenitor cells cultured on Matrigel basement membrane matrix; D-F: Differentiated hepatocytes from hepatic progenitor cells could synthesize albumin (D), store glycogen (E) and possessed cytochrome P450 activity (F) after induction for 2-3 wk; G: When ES-HPCs derived hepatocytes were transplanted 6 h after liver intoxication, serum total bilirubin (TBIL), serum ammonia (UREA), AST and ALT levels were significantly improved towards normal at 1 d after the transplantation. ^aP < 0.05.