Animal models
To reproduce the pathology of hepatic encephalopathy, various animal models have been developed. Among those, 2 rats surgical models summarizes many features of chronic illness.
PCA ( portocaval anastomosis )
Portocave anastomosis is a surgical procedure diverting systemic circulation outside the liver. This model mimics the creation of collateral circulation during cirrhosis.
Blood from the intestines enters liver via the portal vein, and go out after detoxification by hepatic veins to feed all the systemic organs. To subtract the contribution of liver traffic on the portal vein ligation and suture in the portal vein below.
This model has been validated as being similar to hepatic encephalopathy, with abnormalities in behavior. It diagnosed with . However, no cerebral edema or Alzheimer type 2 cells is detect.
BDL (bile-duct ligation)
Bile-duct ligation surgery is causing destruction of liver, equivalent to a biliary cirrhosis. Bile, which is normally excreted by the bile duct, is returned to the liver. The toxicity of bile-induced cirrhosis, resulting in the death or dysfunction of liver cells.
Animals develop jaundice, hepatic fibrosis, a portal hypertension, a variable portosystemic derivation, hyperammonemia and dysfunction of immune system. These rats have motor and memory difficulties.
Note: All experimental protocols and animal manipulations were approved by the Comité Institutionnel de protection des animaux (CIPA) du CHUM, leaning on the guidelines of Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC), and are performed by skilled persons.
Oxidative stress
Glossary