Experimental liver diseases

Abstract

The use of animal models in the experimental production of liver diseases similar to those of man is still in its infancy. There is a need to discover new models more closely related to counterpart syndromes in man in the fields of hepatorenal syndrome, neonatal jaundice, Wilson's disease, cholelithiasis, viral hepatitis, biliary atresia, and cirrhosis, to mention only a few. With the continued indiscriminate inbreeding of companion animals as well as the planned inbreeding of laboratory animals, there is little doubt that many more will soon be available. The current availability of mutant rats and sheep with bilirubin transport defects has allowed for a better understanding of how organic anions are transported by the liver. Many other currently available experimental animal models herein briefly reviewed have been only superficially studied. It is the intent of this chapter to provide for post-doctoral students an appreciation for the many animal model systems available for experimental hepatic research.