An experimental brainstem tumor model using in vivo bioluminescence imaging in rat.
OBJECTIVE
Currently, there is no conclusive treatment for brainstem tumor. To facilitate the development of new treatments, it is essential to establish predictive preclinical in vivo models in which therapeutic modalities can be evaluated. Although a few rodent models have been reported, there is no novel approach that can monitor tumor response qualitatively and quantitatively.


METHODS
Bioluminescence imaging was used to characterize a rat brainstem tumor model. In this model, 9L gliosarcoma cells, transduced with an onco-retroviral vector containing the luciferase coding sequence, were inoculated into Fisher 344 rats.


RESULTS
Histopathological assessment showed successful cell implantation into the brainstem. There was a strong correlation between pathological tumor volume and luminescence strength. Longitudinal quantitative responses of the tumor after application of a therapeutic agent were also demonstrated.


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates a robust rodent model with the ability to monitor brainstem tumor growth and response to chemotherapeutic agents.
Kondo
Akihide
A
Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Memorial Medical Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 2300 Children's Plaza, Chicago, IL 60614, USA. Akondo@childrensmemorial.org
Goldman
Stewart
S
Vanin
Elio F
EF
Sredni
Simone T
ST
Rajaram
Veena
V
Soares
Marcelo B
MB
Tomita
Tadanori
T
D000818:Animals; D020295:Brain Stem Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D018316:Gliosarcoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D008156:Luciferases / Q000235:genetics; D008163:Luminescent Measurements / Q000379:methods; D008164:Luminescent Proteins / Q000737:chemistry; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008845:Microinjections; D009368:Neoplasm Transplantation; D051381:Rats; D011916:Rats, Inbred F344
D008164:Luminescent Proteins; D008156:Luciferases