Rapid induction of cirrhosis by administration of carbon tetrachloride plus phospholipase D.

A new and rapid method for the production of liver cirrhosis in the rat is described. Rats were treated with carbon tetrachloride for 4 weeks and then injected i.p. with phospholipase D daily for 6 days. Controls received either carbon tetrachloride or phospholipase D only. Following the combined treatment cirrhosis developed rapidly; the liver developed micronodules and severe cirrhosis was accompanied by ascites and splenomegaly.