Evaluation of Liver Support Systems for Preclinical Testing by Animal Trials

Abstract

In the present review, various animal models of acute liver failure are reviewed with respect to their suitability for evaluating liver support systems (LSS) according to envisaged modes of therapy. In order to increase the value of the preclinical testing of LSS, it would be advantageous to include more than one animal model in the evaluation program. It is possible to identify appropriate sets of models, which make a suitable test system for particular clinical applications. A standardization of evaluation methods between testing groups would also be beneficial to the field of liver support.

Non-toxicity of IV Injected Perfluorocarbon Oxygen Carrier in an Animal Model of Liver Regeneration Following Surgical Injury

“…However, animal models make extension to the human clinical scenario difficult due to, amongst other reasons, species differences in response to test substances, the degree of reversibility, the disease process duration and the degree of involvement of other organ systems [24,25]. The ¾-partial liver resection in rats is an attractive model in that it is welldescribed, technically feasible, highly reproducible, non-toxic yet severe, but reversible within a time period sufficient to enable study.…”

Artificial Organs 2006: A Year in Review

“…Oleksandr Seleverstov and Augustinus Bader (60) of the University of Leipzig (Leipzig, Germany) reviewed the various animal models of acute liver failure with respect to their suitability for evaluating liver support systems (LSS) according to the envisaged modes of therapy. While the currently available large animals are useful to answer almost all relevant questions regarding the preclinical testing of LSS, it would be advantageous to include more than one animal model in the evaluation program.…”