Qom University of Medical Sciences Journal

Backgroundand Objectives:Production of a model of hepatic failure is used to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of alternative methods of liver transplantation. This study aimed to determine the appropriate dosage of carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) to induce acute hepatic failure in NMRI mice.

Methods: In this study, at first, a mixture of CCl₄ dissolved in olive oil was administered intraperitoneally to 5 groups of 6 mice. After 24 hours, serum level of liver enzymes and the status of liver tissue were evaluated. To investigate the survival of mice, CCl₄ (at doses of 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5ml/kg.bw) was administered to 6 new groups of mice, and these animals were monitored for 4 days. To assess the effect of the toxin in the next days, the determined dose was administered to 24 new mice, and serum and histological evaluations were repeated.

Results:The serum level of liver enzymes and the degree of hepatic lesions were significantly increased with increased dose of CCl₄. Values more than 1ml/kg of CCl₄ induced acute liver damage. Also, the value of 1ml/kg decreased mortality rate and values more than 2ml/kg increased mortality rate. Maximum increase in serum levels of liver enzymes was observed 24 hours after injection of CCl₄ (at the dose of 1.5ml/kg), which decreased gradually. The degree of liver damage in days after the injection was the same until the fourth day, but the liver regeneration phasewas initiated after 72 hours.

Conclusion:According to the results of this study, a single intraperitoneal administration of CCl₄ at the dose of 1.5mL/kg CCl₄ could be an appropriate dosage for the production of a model of acute hepatic failure in NMRI mouse.