CCl4-Induced Liver Fibrosis

Description

The carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) model of liver fibrosis is a well-established experimental mouse model that is frequently used in drug development. CCl4 is a hepato-toxic agent, that when administered chronically, can lead to liver fibrosis, first developing in pericentral areas and then forming bridges between central areas and later between central and portal areas. Elevated serum ALT and ALP are observed.

Model Systems
  • BALB/c
Standard Readouts
  • Percent weight change
  • Terminal liver weight
  • Terminal histopathology and/or IHC analyses
  • Serum chemistry
  • Liver collagen content
Additional Readouts
  • Peripheral lymphoid organ immunophenotyping
  • Custom assays
Representative DataClick Image to Enlarge
Liver Pathology in CCl4-Induced Liver Fibrosis

Liver samples from CCl4 administered animals are processed for histopathology and scored for levels of fibrosis on a scale of 0-5 (0 = normal liver, 1=minimal increase in fibrosis, 2=moderate increase in fibrosis, 4=marked increase in fibrosis, 5=severe increase in fibrosis/cirrhotic. (****p<0.0001 compared to the corn oil control group). Histopathology performed by Dallas Tissue Research.

Serum Chemistries in CCl4-Induced Liver Fibrosis

Serum samples from CCl4 administered animals are assessed for levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). (**p<0.01; ****p<0.0001 compared to the corn oil control group)

Terminal Liver Weight in CCl4-Induced Liver Fibrosis

Following euthanasia, the liver is excited and weighed. (****p<0.0001 compared to the corn oil control group)

Daniel Lichtman

Managing Partner