A NEW AND SIMPLE TECHNIQUE OF TOTAL HEPATIC ISCHEMIA IN THE MOUSE

Background. A model of total hepatic ischemia is currently not availab le in mice. Models described in rats using portosystemic shunts to ach ieve total ischemia have been notoriously difficult. In mice, the prob lem is compounded further when using this type of technique because of the small size of the animal. A new technique is described combining partial hepatectomy with clamping of the remnant liver. Methods. A par tial (30%) hepatectomy is performed with resection of the caudate, rig ht lateral, and quadrate lobes, and papillary process. Vascular micro- clamps are placed across the pedicles of the median and left lateral l obe at the level of the hilum to achieve total ischemia. Spontaneous p ortocaval shunts through caudate branches and collateral vessels preve nt mesenteric congestion. Animals were studied for survival. Results. The procedure consistently took less than 30 min (25 +/- 2 min), and n o bleeding of the resected tissue was observed. Evidence for total hep atic ischemia and spontaneous shunts was demonstrated by the use of an intraportal dye. All animals survived 60 min of ischemia, whereas all died after 90 min of ischemia. Conclusion. This is a technically simp le and rapid procedure to perform. In the current environment of multi ple knockout mice and bioreagents that are available, a model of this type is essential.