Rabbit VX2 tumors as an animal model of uterine fibroids and for uterine artery embolization.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the suitability of the rabbit VX2 tumor animal model for uterine fibroids and uterine artery embolization (UAE).


METHODS
The authors implanted and grew one uterine VX2 tumor per rabbit in six rabbits. UAE was performed by using 100-300 microm embolic particles and confirmed with x-ray digital subtraction angiography, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and necropsy. Unenhanced and contrast medium-enhanced MR images of VX2 tumors were obtained before and after UAE. Relative MR signal-to noise-ratio (SNR) was measured in the uterine VX2 tumor and in normal uterine tissue before and after UAE and compared by using a paired t-test (P = .05).


RESULTS
VX2 uterine tumors were successfully grown, and both VX2 tumor presence in the uterus and UAE were seen angiographically and confirmed with necropsy in all six rabbits. Statistically significant reductions in relative SNRs were measured in tumors (SNR before UAE, 15.3 +/- 5.15; SNR after UAE, 3.84 +/- 3.94; P < .0001). No statistically significant decrease in SNR was measured in normal uterine tissue before and after UAE (P = .63 for the right uterine horn and P = .93 for the left uterine horn).


CONCLUSIONS
Rabbit VX2 uterine tumors may be a suitable animal model of uterine fibroids and UAE.
Rhee
Thomas K
TK
Department of Radiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 North St Clair St, Ste 800, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
Ryu
Robert K
RK
Bangash
Affaan K
AK
Wang
Dingxin
D
Szolc-Kowalska
Barbara
B
Harris
Kathleen R
KR
Sato
Kent T
KT
Chrisman
Howard B
HB
Vogelzang
Robert L
RL
Paunesku
Tatjana
T
Woloschak
Gayle E
GE
Larson
Andrew C
AC
Omary
Reed A
RA
D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D011817:Rabbits; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*