Characterization of a new animal model for human renal cell carcinoma.
BACKGROUND
Human renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common kidney malignancy with significant mortality. Human tumor xenograft models are important tools for cancer research.


METHODS
We have established and characterized a new animal model for human RCC using Caki-2 cells implanted into the renal subcapsule (RSC) of nude mice. Histology, immunocytochemistry, in situ hybridization and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were used to analyze the tumors.


RESULTS
The implantations generated reproducible carcinomas which closely resemble human RCC. The tumors showed cystic-papillary structures, rich capillary network and fibro-septa formations. Proliferation varied from 0-5% and from 1-60% in cystic and solid areas, respectively. Apoptosis was less than 1%. Macrophages and other inflammatory cell infiltrations were detected in the tumors. VEGF-A and angiopoietin I were expressed in a small number of cells in large tumors. Tumors did not metastasize outside peritoneal cavity. Survival of the tumor bearing animals was 23 +/- 3 weeks.


CONCLUSIONS
It is concluded that Caki-2 carcinomas implanted into renal subcapsule of nude mice resemble human RCC in several aspects and represent a good animal model for studies regarding the pathogenesis and treatment of human RCC.
Pulkkanen
K J
KJ
Department of Molecular Medicine, Kuopio University Hospital, Finland.
Parkkinen
J J
JJ
Kettunen
M I
MI
Kauppinen
R A
RA
Lappalainen
M
M
Ala-Opas
M Y
MY
Yla-Herttuala
S
S
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D002292:Carcinoma, Renal Cell / Q000145:classification / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D019394:Ki-67 Antigen / Q000032:analysis; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000145:classification / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008819:Mice, Nude; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured
D019394:Ki-67 Antigen