Figure 4: Enhanced mRNA expression of Nrf2- and GR-dependent genes in 3D-liver microtissues compared with freshly isolated hepatocytes. Cells were isolated from rat livers and 3D-liver spheroids were cultivated for three weeks in the hanging drop culture at 37°C, followed by quantification of mRNA levels by real-time RT-PCR. Data (mean ± SEM) were obtained from two independent isolations and measurements were performed in triplicate. Data represent ratios of ABCC3, NQO1, ORM1 and G6PD mRNA to PPIA control mRNA from 3Dliver microtissues normalized to the values obtained from fresh isolated liver cells.