Construction and evaluation of a chemotherapeutic phlebitis rat model induced by vinorelbine via the dorsalis pedis vein / 中国实验动物学报

ABSTRACT

Objective To establish and evaluate chemotherapeutic phlebitis model rats induced by vinorelbine via the dorsalis pedis vein.Methods Rats were divided randomly into control and 4 different concentration of vinorelbine-induced model groups.Control rats were injected with 0.1 mL normal saline via the dorsalis pedis vein of the hind limb,while other rats were injected with different concentrations of vinorelbine(2,3,4,5 mg/mL),as above.General observations were performed and the hind limb volume was measured daily for 7 consecutive days to calculate the swelling rate.The rats were then killed and histological changes in the dorsalis pedis vein were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining.Microstructural changes on the surface of the vascular endometrium were observed by scanning electron microscopy.Results Injection of 2,3,4,5 mg/mL vinorelbine via the dorsalis pedis vein significantly induced hind limb swelling in a concentration-dependent manner,peaking on day 3 in each group.The phlebitis rates on day 7 were 50%in the 2 mg/mL group and 83.3%in the 3 mg/mL group.Phlebitis was also induced in the 4 mg/mL and 5 mg/mL groups,including grade Ⅲ in 66.6%and grade Ⅳ in 83.3%.Histopathology showed inflammatory cell infiltration,wall thickening,lumen stenosis,and thrombosis in the tissues surrounding the veins.Scanning electron microscopy showed destruction of tight junctions of venous endothelial cells,and a rough surface of the vascular lining,resultsing in blood cell adhesion.Conclusions Injection of 0.1 mL of 3～5 mg/mL vinorelbine via the dorsalis pedis vein could induce red,swollen,and cord-like veins,as well as infiltration of inflammatory cells around the vein,thickened vein walls,lumen stenosis,and thrombosis.In addition,the surface of the venous intima was rough and adhered to numerous blood cells.All these features are consistent with those of clinical chemotherapeutic phlebitis in terms of the symptoms and pathological structure.