['Investigation of the efficacy of implantation of monocyte-derived hepatocyte-like cells (NeoHeps) in acute liver failure.', 'Extended liver resection or split liver transplantation is still associated with high morbidity and mortality because of postoperative liver insufficiency. In view of liver support systems, implantation of isolated hepatocytes or hepatocyte-like cells such as NeoHeps is increasingly under discussion.', 'Twenty-four hours before subtotal hepatectomy, cells of different origin [A: human mononuclear cells (24 x 10(6)); B: NeoHeps (16 x 10(6)); C: NeoHeps (24 x 10(6)); D: rat hepatocytes (24 x 10(6))] were injected into the spleen of Wistar rats. After an observation period of 5 days, animal survival, postoperative weight, and signs of encephalopathy were recorded. At the end of the observation period, blood was collected for laboratory analysis.', 'Transplantation of both rat hepatocytes and NeoHeps significantly improved animal survival when compared with control animals (group A: 21%), reaching 72% in group D (P = 0.001), 50% in group C (P = 0.04), and 36% in group B (P = 0.22). Moreover, animals in these groups postoperatively experienced less frequently signs of encephalopathy, as well as earlier weight increase when compared with group A.'] Does transplantation of monocyte-derived hepatocyte-like cells ( NeoHeps ) improve survival in a model of acute liver failure?