title: Rhesus monkey is a new model of secondary lymphedema in the upper limb.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study is to establish the rhesus monkey model of lymphedema in the upper limbs, and assess the suitability of this model.
  
  
  METHODS
  An animal model of lymphedema was established by the combined irradiation and surgical techniques in the upper limbs of these rhesus monkeys. Physical examination, high-resolution MR lymphangiography, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and immunohistochemical staining were performed to determine the severity of the edema in the upper limbs of the animal model.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Our results from physical examination indicated that the rhesus monkey model present with typical appearance and features of lymphedema. MR lymphangiography further demonstrated pathologically modified lymphatic vessels in our rhesus monkey model. BIA revealed increased water content in the upper limb in these rhesus monkeys, which was in line with the pathology of lymphedema. Immunohistochemical staining showed the curvature of the lymphatic vessels in the rhesus monkey model, typical pathological changes in lymphedema.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Rhesus monkey lymphedema model provides a more consistent background to elucidate the pathophysiology of the disease. This new model would help to increase our understanding of acquired upper limb lymphedema, and promote the development of new treatments for this intractable disorder.
authors.affiliation: Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University Jinan 250021, Shandong, P. R. China.
authors.forename: Guojun
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.affiliation: Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University Jinan 250021, Shandong, P. R. China.
authors.forename: Hao
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University Jinan 250021, Shandong, P. R. China.
authors.forename: Wenhong
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.affiliation: Radiology Center, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University Jinan 250021, Shandong, P. R. China.
authors.forename: Xianshun
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Yuan
authors.affiliation: Radiotherapy Center, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University Jinan 250021, Shandong, P. R. China.
authors.forename: Zhe
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.affiliation: Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University Jinan 250021, Shandong, P. R. China.
authors.forename: Qing
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.affiliation: Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University Jinan 250021, Shandong, P. R. China.
authors.forename: Feng
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ding
authors.affiliation: Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University Jinan 250021, Shandong, P. R. China.
authors.forename: Zhigang
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Meng
authors.affiliation: Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University Jinan 250021, Shandong, P. R. China.
authors.forename: Weili
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Liang
authors.affiliation: Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University Jinan 250021, Shandong, P. R. China.
authors.forename: Chong
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Geng
authors.affiliation: Central Laboratory, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University Jinan 250021, Shandong, P. R. China.
authors.forename: Ling
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gao
authors.affiliation: Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University Jinan 250021, Shandong, P. R. China.
authors.forename: Xingsong
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Tian
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001823:Body Composition; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D017097:Electric Impedance; D005260:Female; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008197:Lymph Node Excision; D042601:Lymphatic Vessels / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008220:Lymphography / Q000379:methods; D008253:Macaca mulatta; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013997:Time Factors; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology
keywords: Secondary lymphedema; animal model; breast cancer; rhesus monkeys; upper extremity