Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026
11:36
Induction of Drug-Induced, Autoimmune Hepatitis in BALB/c Mice for the Study of Its Pathogenic Mechanisms
Published on: May 29, 2020
Herb-induced autoimmune-like hepatitis in C57BL/6J mice
Jir-You Wang1, Chang-Yin Lee, Po-Jung Pan
1Institute of Traditional Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Orthopaedics, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
Summary
This study shows that Scutellaria baicalensis (Sb) and Bupleurum chinense (Bc) extracts induce autoimmune hepatitis (AIH)-like symptoms in mice. This establishes a reliable animal model for studying herb-induced AIH.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Developing reliable animal models for herb-induced experimental autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is challenging.
- Medicinal herbs containing Scutellaria baicalensis (Sb) and Bupleurum chinense (Bc) have been linked to liver fibrosis.
- Investigating the specific effects of Sb and Bc on experimental AIH is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of Scutellaria baicalensis (Sb) and Bupleurum chinense (Bc) extracts on experimental autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) in a mouse model.
- To establish a reliable animal model for studying herb-induced AIH.
Main Methods:
- C57BL/6J mice were treated with Sb and/or Bc herbal extracts for 4 or 8 weeks.
- Serum analysis included liver enzymes (AST, ALT), creatinine, AIH markers, and hepatic cytokines (IFN-γ, IL10, TGF-β1).
- Peripheral mononuclear cell (PBMC) gene expression was analyzed to assess immune system modulation.
Main Results:
- Sb or Bc treatment elevated serum AST, ALT, IgG, and ANA levels.
- Livers of treated mice showed significant necroinflammatory changes.
- Decreased IFN-γ and increased IL10 and TGF-β1 levels were observed in liver tissues, indicating immune response modulation.
Conclusions:
- Scutellaria baicalensis (Sb) and Bupleurum chinense (Bc) treatment induced AIH-like conditions in C57BL/6J mice.
- This mouse model is suitable for studying herb-induced AIH.
- The findings provide a foundation for further research into herb-induced liver disease mechanisms.
