Characterization and magnetic resonance imaging of a rat model of human B-cell central nervous system lymphoma.
OBJECTIVE
The incidence of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is increasing. Therapeutic approaches remain controversial. An animal model that mimics the clinical situation would be useful for evaluating PCNSL biology and treatment.


METHODS
Nude rats received intracerebral (caudate nucleus, n = 49) or intraventricular (n = 4) inoculation of human B-lymphoma cell line MC116. Two to five weeks after tumor inoculation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was done (n = 24), and rat brains were assessed for pathology. Five rats each received whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT, 20 Gy) or high-dose i.v. methotrexate (3 g/m2).


RESULTS
Intracerebral tumors developed in 84% of evaluable animals with no pretreatment, 79% of rats pretreated with 4 Gy total body irradiation, and 92% of rats pretreated with cyclophosphamide (300 mg/m2). MRI showed abnormal T2 signal and gadolinium enhancement on T1-weighted images, consistent with tumor growth 19 to 24 days after inoculation. Tumor cells staining positively for B-lymphoma markers infiltrated within the inoculated hemisphere, along fiber tracks to the contralateral hemisphere, and along the subarachnoid space and ventricles. Tumors showed reactive gliosis. Intraventricular tumor cell injection resulted in periventricular parenchymal infiltration in both hemispheres. Radiation and methotrexate were effective in vitro, but only WBRT was clearly effective after 1 week in the intracerebral model.


CONCLUSIONS
This model closely mimics human PCNSL in terms of imaging, histology, and treatment sensitivity and will be useful for the development of future therapeutic strategies for PCNSL.
Soussain
Carole
C
Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239-3098, USA.
Muldoon
Leslie L
LL
Varallyay
Csanad
C
Jahnke
Kristoph
K
DePaula
Luciana
L
Neuwelt
Edward A
EA
D000818:Animals; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D016543:Central Nervous System Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D016393:Lymphoma, B-Cell / Q000473:pathology* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D051381:Rats; D011923:Rats, Nude; D014183:Transplantation, Heterologous; D014916:Whole-Body Irradiation