Objective:To observe the effect of sodium citrate plasma (scP) on the growth and function of hepatocytes. Methods: HepG2, fetus and porcine hepatocytes were cultured. The viability, cell cycle and apoptosis, the leakage of LDH, AFP, total protein, glutathione and the changes on morphology of hepatocytes exposured to scP were investigated. Results: (1)Cultured in 10%, 30%, 50%, 100% scP for 24 h, the viability of HepG2 cells was inhibited (F = 40. 108, P = 0. 001). After 48 h, nearly all cells died except 10% scP group. (2)Exposured to scP for 24 h,the percentage of S phase of the cell cycle was significantly increased and apoptosis was also significantly increased compared to control cultures. (3) The leakages of LDH were increased in the HepG2, fetus and porcine hepatocytes following exposure to scP for 5 h. (4) The synthesis of AFP in fetus and porcine hepatocytes were inhibited in medium containing 10% scP for 3 d(t values were 8. 1902, 5. 1034 separately, P<0. 01). Exposure of HepG2 cells to scP within 24 h resulted in a decrease in the total protein synthesis and a increase in the GSH content. (5)Most of HepG2, fetus and porcine hepatocytes died in all except 10% scP groups after 24 h exposed to scP. Conclusion:scP can damage hepatocytes, which results from citric acid and sodium citrate contained in the fluid of blood maintenance.
