Thioacetamide induces rat′s macronodular cirrhosis by weekly weight changes monitoring / 中国普通外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To develop a reliable and reproducible technique in which rat′s hepatic and systemic responses to thioacetamide (TAA) during induction of cirrhosis were monitored by weekly weight changes. Methods Male Wistar rats (200～230 g) were divided into three groups. Group 1 (n=20) received continuous administration of 0.03% (w/v) TAA in the drinking water for 12 weeks. Group 2 (n=20) received the same concentration of 0.03% TAA as an initial concentration that was modified according to weekly weight changes in response to TAA during the induction of cirrhosis. Group 3 (n=6) served as controls. Results The mortality in Group 1 was 30% (6/20) and cirrhosis developed in only 45% (9/20). In contrast, there were no deaths in Group 2 and macronodular cirrhosis was found in 90% (18/20) of the rats. ConclusionsVariations in response to TAA can be easily monitored by weekly weight changes to reduce mortality to zero and simultaneously increase the production and quality of cirrhosis induced in the rat.