Objective: To develop an intraperitoneally transplanted human ovarian carcinoma model in humanized severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice.
Methods: Twelve CB17SCID mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: group A intraperineally injected with phosphate-buffered saline, group B injected with human ovarian carcinoma cells SKOV3, group C injected with human peripheral blood lymphocyte (PBL) for immune reconstruction, and group D injected with PBL and SKOV3 cells. The behaviors of mice, tumor growth and morphology, human IgG in peripheral blood, cancer antigen 125 (CA125) immunohistochemical staining, tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL), and status of graft versus host disease (GVHD) were detected.
Results: The survival period was > 28 days in all groups. The ratio of successful tumor transplantation was 3/3 in groups B and D. The tumor was widespread in peritoneal cavity, mainly in diaphragm, liver, and mesentery, with bloody ascites. The number and size of tumor were less in the humanized group. CA125 expression was positive in primary transplanted tumor cells and SKOV3 cells. IgG was detected in humanized groups (C and D). The level of human IgG was significantly higher in group D than in group C (P < 0.05). TIL infiltration was remarkable in group injected with PBL and SKOV3 cells and failed to be found in group injected with SKOV3 cells. No GVHD was found in all groups.
Conclusion: An intraperitoneal transplanted human ovarian carcinoma model has been established in humanized SCID mice that simulates the biological behavior of human ovarian carcinoma disseminating intraperitoneally in patients with immune function and may function as an ideal animal model for preclinical research of ovarian carcinoma treatment.