Abstract: Objective To explore the possibility that rat bone mesenchymal cells (BMSCs) can differentiate into hepatocytes under the affection of fetal liver filtrate. Methods PAS and green indigo dye were used to detect glycogen and differential level of hepatocytes, respectively. The concentration of ALT, AST, ALP in the culture supernatant were served as markers of hepaocyte function. Results Fourteen days after induced by the fetal liver filtrate, BMSCs changed their shapes into polygon, oval or round. Some of BMSCs were positive for AFP and ALB at 7 days after induction, then the number of positive cells increased, and most of BMSCs expressed AFP and ALB till 21days. The PAS reaction and indocyanine green(ICG) intaking also appeared at 7days. Enzyme in supernatant such as ALT, AST, ALP were fristly detected at 7days and peaked at 14days，then the level declined. Conclusion The fetal rat liver filtrate was able to induce BMSCs into cells with function and characteristics of hepatocytes.

Key words: Bone mesenchymal stem cells, Fetal liver filtrate, Hepatocytes, Inducetion, Immunohistochemistry, Rat