Human hepatocytes (HH) are an optimal in vitro model for the study of xenobiotics metabolism and toxicity. However, there is still a problem of HH availability. A promising possibility for the storage of HH for later utilization is cryopreservation. Procedures and conditions used for cryopreservation of human hepatocytes and hepatocytes of other species are presented in the present paper. Compared are some biochemical parameters characterizing viability and functionality of fresh and thawed HH.

        Key words: human hepatocyte – cryopreservation – viability – metabolism