An experimental model of liver damage and portal hypertension induced by a single dose of monocrotaline

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Hepatic cirrhosis accompanied by portal hypertension is a common cause of death in human beings. The aim of the present study was to develop an experimental model of hepatic portal hypertension associated with liver damage. METHODOLOGY: To develop liver damage in rats, we used the toxic alkaloid monocrotaline. Two groups of male Wistar rats were used. Group 1 was injected with a single dose of monocrotaline (60mg/kg of body weight) intraperitoneally. Group 2 was injected with an equal volume of saline solution. After 44 days, the animals underwent the following tests: splenoportography and measurement of portal pressure, hepatic serum biochemical tests, and light and electron microscopy. RESULTS: Group 1 showed a significant increase in splenic pressure, superior and inferior collateral circulation, and an increase in portal vein diameter. Serious alterations were detected in hepatic serum markers. Light microscopy showed different degrees of hepatocyte damage, varying from edema to focal necrosis. Ultrastructural changes were of membrane disruption, mitochondrial and nuclear alterations. CONCLUSIONS: The present experimental model could be useful in establishing the pathophysiological changes associated with portal hypertension due to liver damage.