A model of fulminant hepatic failure in the rabbit.

A highly reproducible model of fulminant hepatic failure was developed by administering intravenously the selective hepatotoxin galactosamine hydrochloride (4.25 mmoles per kg) to genetically uniform rabbits. The great majority of rabbits died between 21 and 44 hr after injection following a period of coma which lasted 2.6 hr on average. Serum biochemical tests and liver histology reflected massive hepatic injury. Changes in plasma ammonia and amino acid concentrations, in coagulation parameters, and in the electroencephalogram were similar to those found in human fulminant hepatic failure. This model appears promising for future studies of the pathogenesis and treatment of fulminant hepatic failure.