1. The core will provide freshly isolated or cultured Kupffer cells (KC: hepatic macrophages), hepatic stellate cells (HSC), sinusoidal endothelial cells (SEC), and hepatocytes from normal rats or rat models of liver injury. The core will also provide KC, HSC, and hepatocytes from normal and diseased mouse livers.
2. The priority of the services will be given to the members of the Southern California Research Center for Alcoholic Liver and Pancreatic Diseases (ALPD) and Cirrhosis.
3. The services are rendered to the qualified members on a charge back basis to recover the costs of supplies which are not supported by the center and resource grants from NIAAA.
4. The services can be rendered to non-members for higher charge backs which include personnel costs and surcharges.

Request for Services

1.  A request for normal rat and mouse cells should be directed to Dr. Kinji Asahina (Asahina@usc.edu <mailto:Asahina@usc.edu>) at least 3 weeks prior to the time the cells are needed.

2.       A request for cell isolation services from the disease models (as described under Animal Core Services, should be made to Dr. Asahina at least 3 months in advance.

Revised Charge Back Fees (July 1, 2009):

·         $200 per rat for KC or HSC (If both from the same rat are used, $300);

·         $200 per rat for SEC;

·         $150 per rat for hepatocytes (If both SEC and hepatocytes are isolated from the same rat and used, $300)

·         $150 per mouse for KC or HSC (If both from the same mouse are used, $230)

·         $100 per mouse for hepatocytes

·         Isolation from the diseased or partially hepatectomized livers, add a 50% increase to the above isolation charges. In addition the cost of the animal model applies separately.

·         Non-center members are required to pay $100 in addition to defray the cost of the personnel and surcharges.

These charges are based on a whole isolation procedure per rat or mouse and not on cell numbers isolated or attached for culture because the cell yield and attachment vary.