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Splenic marginal zone lymphomas of mice
T N Fredrickson1, K Lennert, S K Chattopadhyay
1Registry of Experimental Cancers, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
The American Journal of Pathology
|March 18, 1999
Summary
Splenic marginal zone lymphomas (MZLs) are common in specific mice models. These lymphomas are staged by cell changes and can progress, with high-grade forms resembling other lymphomas.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- Splenic marginal zone lymphomas (MZLs) are frequently observed in NFS.N mice congenic for high-expressing ecotropic murine leukemia virus (MuLV) genes.
- These mice provide a model for studying MZL development and progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize splenic marginal zone lymphomas (MZLs) in a mouse model.
- To establish a staging system for MZL based on morphological and cellular changes.
- To investigate the progression and characteristics of MZL.
Main Methods:
- Morphological, immunological, and molecular analyses of splenic tissues.
- Staging of MZL based on marginal zone (MZ) cell accumulation and morphology.
- Assessment of mitosis and apoptosis rates.
- Analysis of IgH clonal patterns in splenic biopsies and necropsies.
- Transplantation studies to assess tumor homing.
Main Results:
- MZL is a distinct disease in these mice with characteristic clinical behavior.
- A staging system was developed: prelymphomatous MZ, MZL (normal-looking cells), MZL+ (basophilic centroblast-like cells), and MZL++ (extensive splenic involvement).
- Mitosis and apoptosis rates increase with lymphoma grade.
- IgH clonal patterns correlate with disease progression.
- MZLs are transplantable and home to the spleen.
Conclusions:
- Splenic marginal zone lymphomas (MZLs) are recognizable and classifiable in this mouse model.
- The staging system reflects disease progression and cellular changes.
- High-grade MZLs may be misdiagnosed due to centroblastic morphology or obscured by other lymphomas.