Figure 8.

Neurological findings for coma staging in fulminant liver failure (FLF)models. 6To obtain a reliable coma stage, close and/or continuous observation of murine behavior was required. Detailed evaluation about coma status of the mice was performed by the close observation of every 30 min until Stage 2 and the continuous monitor after Stage 2. Note that the continuous observation is crucial for a reliable staging, especially after Stage 2, because the periodic observation never provide an accurate assessment for disease progression and a reliable staging for encephalopathy. A. A mouse at Stage 0 stands straight and runs fast. B. Mouse at Stage 1 walks slow but straight (red arrow). The movement of the feet is slightly impaired (blue arrow). C. At Stage 2, an ataxic finding is enhanced, but any reflexes are kept. The totter is observed (blue arrow), and mouse can not walk straight (red arrow). D. Mouse at Stage 3 is lethargic, and all spontaneous activities are lost. Subsequently, the mouse cannot recover from supine position. E. Eyelash reflex is disturbed at the late phase of Stage 3. F. Mouse becomes unresponsive and grows complacent at Stage 4 (blue arrow).