[Experimental models for assessment of pulmonary alterations in hepatopulmonary syndrome].

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the best experimental model in which to observe the pulmonary alterations characterizing hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS).

Methods: Male Wistar rats, with mean weight of 250 g, were used in four experimental models: inhaled carbon tetrachloride; intraperitoneal carbon tetrachloride; partial portal vein ligation; and bile duct ligation (BDL). The animals in all groups were divided into control and experimental subgroups.