Ethanol-related liver injury in the rat: a model of steatosis, inflammation and pericentral fibrosis.
OBJECTIVE
While several animal models exist for the study of ethanol heptotoxicity, they are limited in their applicability. This paper describes a relatively simple rat model of alcohol-related liver injury.


METHODS
Ethanol was supplied in the drinking water in a concentration of 40% v/v for up to 29 weeks. Animals are concurrently supplied a chow diet which provides adequate protein and choline for normal growth. Total fat intake is low (7% of consumed calories).


RESULTS
Histological changes of steatosis, inflammation, hepatocyte necrosis and pericentral sclerosis were evident in ethanol-treated rat livers. Littermate controls with and without pair-feeding had normal livers. Electron microscopy revealed abnormal mitochondria and a marked proliferation of smooth endoplasmic reticulum in livers of animals fed ethanol. Biochemical analysis revealed that levels of hepatic-free choline were similar in treated and pair-fed control rats. There was an expected increase in the activity of the microsomal enzyme cytochrome P450 2E1 in ethanol-fed rats.


CONCLUSIONS
The model provides a convenient method for the production of alcoholic liver injury, and it may be useful for the study of the pathogenesis of ethanol-related liver disease.
Keegan
A
A
Department of Medicine, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.
Martini
R
R
Batey
R
R
D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D000818:Animals; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D000431:Ethanol / Q000633:toxicity*; D005234:Fatty Liver / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development / Q000473:pathology; D008104:Liver Cirrhosis, Alcoholic / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
D000431:Ethanol