Experimental models of acute liver failure

Acute liver failure is a result of massive hepatic necrosis, accompanied by development of hepatic encephalopathy and can cause multiple organ failure with a high risk of death. Treatment of severe acute liver failure remains the most difficult clinical problem. Reproducible experimental model is required to develop new drugs and strategies of treatment of this pathology. Animal model must be close to clinical practice. This review critically examines many of the models described in the literature and discusses the surrounding issues.