When hepatocyte replication is impaired, liver regeneration depends on the amplification of a precursor cell compartment. Accumulation of these precursor cells termed oval cells is affected by microenvironment and matrix remodelling by mechanisms that are largely unknown. The authors studied the liver regeneration from precursor cells induced in mice by a choline-deficient diet supplemented with ethionine (CDE). The diet induced liver inflammation and necrosis, measured by serum alanine aminotransferase activity, ARNm F4/80 concentration. Oval cell accumulation, staining by CK-19, started at day 7 and reached a maximum at day 14. In conclusion, the authors can induce liver regeneration from oval cells in mice by a CDE diet.