A rat model for acute hepatic failure.

OBJECTIVE

To develop a surgical model of acute hepatic failure.

METHODS

Hepatectomy was performed in rats according to the method described by Higgins and Anderson. Ninety percent liver resection (removing the left lateral, median, and right lateral lobes) (n=7) and 95% liver resection leaving only half of the caudate lobe (n=13) were performed. Hypoglycemia was corrected by giving 20% glucose in the drinking water, coupled with repeated intraperitoneal injection of 5% glucose adapted to glycemia. While the survival rate, alanine transaminase (ALT) and bilirubin were observed.

RESULTS

95% liver resection decreased survival rates of the rats from 86% (90% liver resection) to 23% (P<0.05), and increased bilirubin levels (4.04+/-2.84 mg/dL vs. 1.25+/-1.85 mg/dL [90% liver resection]).

CONCLUSION

95% liver resection is a good rat model for acute hepatic failure.