Analysis of Differentiation of Hepatocytes and Bile Duct Cells in Developing Mouse Liver by Albumin Immunofluorescence

Differentiation of endodermal cells in embryonic mouse liver was analyzed by study of their albumin immunofluorescence. Hepatocytes extending from the cranial diverticulum in 9.5-day embryos do not contain albumin. In 10.5-to 11.5-day embryos, hepatocytes are still immature, but they all show albumin immunofluorescence. Most precursor cells of intrahepatic bile-duct cells also give a positive reaction for albumin, like immature hepatocytes. The differentiation of intrahepatic bile-duct cells from immature hepatocytes is suggested.