Induction of rat brain tumor with xenotropic pseudotype murine sarcoma virus

The oncogenicity of xenotropic pseudotype Kirsten murine sarcoma virus (MSV) was investigated in Sprague-Dawley rats. When fetal or newborn rats were inoculated intracerebrally with xenotropic pseudotype MSV, brain tumors developed after about one month. Tumors were induced both in the cerebrum and the cerebellum. Histologically, the tumors were predominantly glioblastoma multiforme and hemangioendotheliomas. In cerebellar lesions, malignant transformation of vascular endothelial cells, polycystic areas and numerous giant cells were noted. Proliferation of Purkinje cells was also observed in some of the cerebellar tumors. Inoculation of the same virus by other routes, such as s.c., i.p. and i.m., also caused cerebral and cerebellar tumors. Brain tumors thus induced were transplantable subcutaneously into suckling rats.