Creation of Reversible Cholestatic Rat Model

Summary

Cholestasis is a clinical condition commonly encountered by both surgeons and gastroenterologists. Creation of a reversible cholestatic rat model can be challenging in view of the smaller size and unique hepatopancreatobiliary anatomy in rats. This video article demonstrates the creation of a reversible cholestatic model.

Abstract

Cholestasis is a clinical condition commonly encountered by both surgeons and gastroenterologists. Cholestasis can cause various physiological changes and affect the nutritional status and surgical outcomes. Study of the pathophysiological changes occurring in the liver and other organs is of importance. Various studies have been done in cholestatic rat models.

We used a reversible cholestatic rat model in our recent study looking at the role of methylprednisolone in the ischemia reperfusion injury. Various techniques for creation of a reversible cholestatic model have been described. Creation of a reversible cholestatic rat model can be challenging in view of the smaller size and unique hepatopancreatobiliary anatomy in rats. This video article demonstrates the creation of a reversible cholestatic model.

This model can be used in various studies, such as looking at the changes in nutritional, physiological, pathological, histological and immunological changes in the gastrointestinal tract. This model can also be used to see the effects of cholestasis and various therapeutic interventions on major hepatic surgeries.

Protocol

1. Rat biliary anatomy

The average bile duct diameter and length was 1 mm and 29 mm, respectively. The average distance between the pylorus and the duodenal papilla was 28 mm. There are two main pancreatic ducts which open into the bile duct - the anterior duct opens on the left side and the posterior duct opens on the right side. In addition to these major ducts, a number of minor ducts that drain all three portions of pancreas open directly to the bile duct.⁶

2. Technique

All animal experiments were performed in agreement with the National Institutes of Health guidelines for....

Discussion

Cholestasis leads to a myriad of changes in the gastrointestinal system. Studies have been done looking the changes in the immune system and nutritional status.^1-3 Cholestasis can affect outcomes of hepatic surgeries. Studies have been performed to improve the outcomes of hepatic surgeries in the presence of cholestasis.^4-5 With improvements in medicine and research, further studies will be done on cholestasis. Hence it is necessary to have a good cholestatic model. The rat is preferred as an experi.......