Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 15, 2026

Induction of Drug-Induced, Autoimmune Hepatitis in BALB/c Mice for the Study of Its Pathogenic Mechanisms
Published on: May 29, 2020
[Minocycline-induced autoimmune hepatitis]
Mieke Aldenhoven1, J Gert van Enk, Wim A Avis
1Ziekenhuis Gelderse Vallei, afd. Kindergeneeskunde, Ede, the Netherlands. aldenhovenm@zgv.nl
Background:
Drug-induced autoimmune hepatitis is an acute and potentially severe side effect, particularly often reported after the long-term use of minocycline. The condition's characteristic biochemical findings are highly elevated transaminase levels, only mildly increased markers of cholestasis and bilirubin levels, an elevated IgG concentration and a high antinuclear antibody (ANA) titre.
Case Description:
A 14-year-old girl developed autoimmune hepatitis due to the long-term use of minocycline for acne vulgaris. She presented with icterus and very high transaminase levels. The patient made a full recovery after the medication was discontinued.
Conclusion:
This type of autoimmune hepatitis can be differentiated from 'classic' autoimmune hepatitis by the patient's quick recovery after stopping the inducing drug and no relapse of the condition after the discontinuation of glucocorticoid therapy.
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