A rat model of liver cirrhosis and esophageal varices

In an effort to develop a reproducible model of liver cirrhosis and esophageal varices, we administered phenobarbital (PhB) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in 32 rats that had previously undergone complete devascularization of the left renal vein (DLRV). The operation was conducted to enhance the development of cephalad collaterals mainly responsible for the induction of esophageal varices. Thirty-two rats underwent sham operation and PhB and CCl4 administration, and 24 only sham-operated rats comprised the control group. After the induction of liver cirrhosis, histopathologic examination and morphometric analysis of the lower esophagus were performed to study the submucosal veins. We separately studied number of vessels in the submucosa, mean vessel area, percentage of submucosa occupied by vessels, and area of the single most dilated vein. All variables except the number of vessels were significantly higher in cirrhotic rats that had undergone DLRV (P<0.001). We conclude that induction of liver cirrhosis in rats that previously undergo complete DLRV could present a reproducible and reliable model for the induction of liver cirrhosis and esophageal varices.