Figure 1 Animal models of liver regeneration Figure 1 | Animal models of liver regeneration. a | The rat is the classic model for studying liver regeneration following 70% hepatectomy, which results in rapid activation of regenerative signals peaking at 24 h. Hepatocyte proliferation can be inhibited efficiently by toxins. When additional injury such as partial hepatectomy is added, a widespread oval cell response is activated. b | The mouse has similar properties to the rat but with the additional advantage of good transgenic technologies. Hepatocyte proliferation is not readily inhibited using standard methodologies. c | The zebrafish is rapidly gaining favour because it is easy to use, gives rapid results, is cost effective, enables excellent imaging opportunities and permits chemical screening. Forbes, S. J. & Newsome, P. N. (2016) Liver regeneration — mechanisms and models to clinical application Nat. Rev. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. doi:10.1038/nrgastro.2016.97