An overview of animal models for investigating the pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies in acute hepatic failure

Table 2 Main criteria for an AHF animal model (according to Terblanche and Hickman (1991)

Reversibility	Suitable treatment may reverse and improve survival
Reproducibility	Reproducible end-points are required to standardize the model
Death from liver failure	Should reflect biochemical, histological and clinical changes including death from AHF
Therapeutic window	Time for treatment should be available between insult and death
Adequate animal size	Size large enough to allow blood and tissue analysis to take place serially
Minimal hazard to personnel	Minimum risk for operators and associated staff