Establishing rabbit model of main portal vein VX2 tumor thrombus / 实用放射学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To establish the rabbit model of main portal vein VX2 tumor thrombus by using orthotopic implantation and to observe its radiological and pathological features.Methods 24 New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into study group (n=16) and control group (n=8).In study group,VX2 tumor tissue fragments were fixed on the inner wall of the main portal vein by using a surgical approach.In control group, autologous muscle fragments were fixed on the inner wall of the main portal vein in the same way.CT examinations were performed in both group on 7 days, 14 days, 21 days and 28 days after the procedure.At each observation point,3 rabbits of the study group were inspected by using digital subtraction angiography (DSA),and then sacrificed for histologic examination.Meanwhile,1 rabbit of the control group was sacrificed for histologic examination after CT scanning.The survival time of the remaining rabbits were recorded.Results Among 16 rabbits of the study group, successful implantations were achieved in 15 rabbits (93.8%).Tumor thrombus formed in the main portal vein successfully for all these 15 rabbits.The mean survival time of the remaining 3 rabbits in the study group was (39.3±2.1) days.The imaging characteristic of tumor thrombus could be demonstrated by CT and DSA examinations.Tumor thrombus and the inner neovascularization were confirmed by histological examination.Conclusion It is feasible to establish an animal model of main portal vein tumor thrombus by orthotopic implantation.The radiological and pathological features of animal model are similar to hepatocellular carcinoma patients with portal vein tumor thrombus.