Methodological evaluation for catheterization of hepatic artery in rat

Objective: To search for a modified route for catheterization of hepatic artery via gastroduodenal artery approach. Methods: The drug or cell suspension was infused into hepatic artery in rat via gastroduodenal artery route by opening operation. Results: Fifty two rats were enrolled with 47 alive and recovered from operation quickly, but 4 of them died and the other one was failure due to having too small artery to be catheterized. The mortality might possibly be vascular injury, liver damage, accident in anesthesia or infection after operation and skillful manipulation is necessary for prevention. Conclusion: The way of hepatic artery infusion in rat via gastroduodenal artery route is simple, easy to be mastered, and it is suitable to study the effect of drug or cell suspension on liver. (authors)