Hepatocyte transplantation has been used in studies with animal s for over 20 years. The results indicate that acute liver failure as well as metabolic liver disease can be partially or completely corrected by the transplantation of isolated hepatocytes. Recently，hepatocyte transplants have moved int o the clinics as a method to support patients with a variety of liver diseases. There are three main areas where the transplantation of isolated hepatocytes has been found to be useful. Hepatocyte transplants have been used; 1)as a “bridge” technique to provide support to patients with end-stage liver failure awaiting whole organ transplantation，2)to provide immediate support of liver function and contribute to the regeneration of the native liver in cases of acute liver failure and，3)as a “cellular therapy” for patients with metabolic liver disease caused by genetic defects in vital liver functions.