Comparative study of two models for experimental cirrhosis in the dog

Two canine models of cirrhosis induced by administration of dimethyl-nitrosamine (DMNA) alone or in combination with hepatic vein ligation, were studied. The criteria used for development of cirrhosis were not only the appearance of portal hypertension, ascites, biochemical disorders or retention of BSP but also the formation of histological lesions such as sclerotic transformation of the liver lobules together with nodular regeneration. According to these criteria, the experimental protocol consisting in hepatic vein ligation and prolonged administration of DMNA was successful in inducing in animals liver cirrhosis similar to human conditions.