Preparation of Liver Slices

Isolation from human liver of other cell types, such as Kupffer, endothelial and stellate cells has also been developed and extensively reviewed [29-31]. 

Liver slices were initially prepared manually using razor blades or mechanical instruments such as the Stadie Riggs tissue sheer [4]. The reproducibility of the thickness of the slices at that time was largely dependent on the skills of the operator. Of note is the fact that the minimal slice thickness that could be produced was about 0.5 mm. This dimension appeared to limit the penetration of nutrients and oxygen into the inner cell layers central necrosis in the slice occurred during incubation [35]. 

12 Use of Human Tissue Slices in Drug Targeting Research 

All these buffers have a glucose concentration of 25 mM, which seems to be essential for the viability of the slices. 

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The introduction of the Krumdieck sheer enabled a more optimal and reproducible preparation of liver slices (Figure 12.1). With this technique the thickness of the slices is adjustable to a value as low as 100 pm. The slicing procedure itself is performed in a buffer assuring minimal trauma of the tissue. In addition, the Krumdieck sheer provides a rapid and automated... 

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