Membrane bioreactor using pig hepatocytes for in vitro evaluation of anti-inflammatory drugs

Pig liver cells cultured in the membrane bioreactor exhibited viability and liver specific functions at higher levels than those of cells cultured in batch systems. The rate of rofecoxib elimination by cells increased with increasing rofecoxib concentration in the range 0-400 nM. Hepatocytes exhibited highest rates of albumin production and urea synthesis at 300-400 nM rofecoxib concentration.