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Skin tumors in aging Long Evans rats
Adeleh Esfandiari1, Theresa Loya, Jeffrey L Lee
1Department of Otolaryngology, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, King/Drew Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA.
Journal of the National Medical Association
|June 25, 2002
Summary
Aging Long Evans rats developed a high rate (83%) of spontaneous skin neoplasms, including keratoacanthoma and squamous cell carcinoma. These findings in aged rodents are unprecedented and warrant further investigation as a potential model for aging-related immune system changes.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Oncology
- Aging Research
Background:
- Control animals in a psychosocial study exhibited unexpected high incidence of skin neoplasms.
- Long Evans rats developed tumors between 18 and 26 months of age.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a high rate of spontaneous skin neoplasms in aging Long Evans rats.
- To investigate the potential of these rats as a model for aging-related immune system alterations.
Main Methods:
- Observation of 30 Long Evans rats over 9 months.
- Physical and microscopic examination of developed skin tumors.
- Histological analysis to identify tumor types (Keratoacanthoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma).
Main Results:
- 83% of aging Long Evans rats developed skin neoplasms.
- Tumors were intradermal, measured 1-2 cm, and some had ulcerated cores.
- Histology confirmed Keratoacanthoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma features.
Conclusions:
- A high incidence of spontaneous skin neoplasms occurs in aging Long Evans rats.
- This high rate has not been previously reported in aged rodents.
- Further studies are needed to confirm findings and explore their use as an aging and immune system model.