Xenograft transplantation of human malignant astrocytoma cells into immunodeficient rats: an experimental model of glioblastoma

Clinics (Sao Paulo). 2010 Mar;65(3):305-9. doi: 10.1590/S1807-59322010000300011.

Abstract

Introduction: Astrocytic gliomas are the most common intracranial central nervous system neoplasias, accounting for about 60% of all primary central nervous system tumors. Despite advances in the treatment of gliomas, no effective therapeutic approach is yet available; hence, the search for a more realistic model to generate more effective therapies is essential.

Objective: To develop an experimental malignant astrocytoma model with the characteristics of the human tumor.

Method: Primary cells from subcutaneous xenograft tumors produced with malignant astrocytoma U87MG cells were inoculated intracerebrally by stereotaxis into immunosuppressed (athymic) Rowett rats.

Results: All four injected animals developed non-infiltrative tumors, although other glioblastoma characteristics, such as necrosis, pseudopalisading cells and intense mitotic activity, were observed.

Conclusion: A malignant astrocytoma intracerebral xenograft model with poorly invasive behavior was achieved in athymic Rowett rats. Tumor invasiveness in an experimental animal model may depend on a combination of several factors, including the cell line used to induce tumor formation, the rat strains and the status of the animal's immune system.

Keywords: Athymic Rowett rats; Brain tumor; Experimental model; U87MG cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Astrocytoma / pathology*
  • Brain Neoplasms / immunology
  • Brain Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Female
  • Glioblastoma / immunology
  • Glioblastoma / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host*
  • Neoplasm Transplantation
  • Rats
  • Rats, Nude
  • Transplantation, Heterologous