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Tumour induction in BALB/c mice for imaging studies: An improved protocol
Abolfazl Amini1, Gholamreza Mesbah2,3, Fatemeh Tash Shamsabadi1,4
1Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.
Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine
|May 29, 2023
Summary
This study optimized a protocol for inducing human tumors in BALB/c mice for preclinical research. A combination of immunosuppressants effectively suppressed immune systems, enabling significant tumor growth without metastasis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Preclinical Research
Background:
- Nude mice require specialized care for preclinical studies.
- Immunocompetent mice carrying human tumors are valuable alternatives for specific preclinical research, such as tumor imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an optimized protocol for inducing human tumors in BALB/c mice for preclinical studies.
- To evaluate the efficacy of a specific immunosuppressive drug combination in facilitating tumor growth.
Main Methods:
- BALB/c mice immune systems were suppressed using cyclosporine A (CsA), ketoconazole, and cyclophosphamide.
- Human cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231, A-431, U-87-MG) were injected subcutaneously to induce tumors.
- Tumor size, histopathology, and metastasis were analyzed over eight weeks.
Main Results:
- The drug combination effectively suppressed the immune system, reducing white blood cell and lymphocyte counts.
- Significant tumor growth (approx. 1400 mm³) was observed by week eight.
- Histopathological analysis revealed large atypical nuclei; no metastasis was detected.
Conclusions:
- A combination of CsA, ketoconazole, and cyclophosphamide is effective for immune suppression in BALB/c mice.
- This protocol facilitates the induction of substantial human tumors in immunocompetent mice for preclinical applications.
- The developed method provides a viable model for preclinical tumor studies without observed metastasis.
