Optimized protocol for an inducible rat model of liver tumor with chronic hepatocellular injury, inflammation, fibrosis, and cirrhosis

STAR Protoc. 2021 Feb 19;2(1):100353. doi: 10.1016/j.xpro.2021.100353. eCollection 2021 Mar 19.

Abstract

Animal models of liver cancer are instrumental in the study of hepatocarcinogenesis and development of novel therapeutic approaches. Here, we describe steps to establish liver cancer in a rat model, via chronic administration of diethylnitrosamine. This causes liver tumors with a sequential progression of hepatitis, cirrhosis, and tumor formation, which closely mimics the development of human liver cancer. This protocol was optimized to significantly increase the incidence of liver tumor formation and reduce the duration of the procedure. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Chen et al. (2020).

Keywords: Cancer; Genetics; Model organisms.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carcinogenesis* / chemically induced
  • Carcinogenesis* / metabolism
  • Carcinogenesis* / pathology
  • Diethylnitrosamine / toxicity*
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / chemically induced
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Inflammation / pathology
  • Liver Cirrhosis, Experimental* / chemically induced
  • Liver Cirrhosis, Experimental* / metabolism
  • Liver Cirrhosis, Experimental* / pathology
  • Liver Neoplasms, Experimental* / chemically induced
  • Liver Neoplasms, Experimental* / metabolism
  • Liver Neoplasms, Experimental* / pathology
  • Male
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Substances

  • Diethylnitrosamine