Brief Articles
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World J Gastroenterol. May 7, 2009; 15(17): 2139-2144
Published online May 7, 2009. doi: 10.3748/wjg.15.2139
Evaluation of a rabbit rectal VX2 carcinoma model using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging
Xin-Mei Liang, Guang-Yu Tang, Ying-Sheng Cheng, Bi Zhou
Xin-Mei Liang, Bi Zhou, Department of Radiology, the Sixth People’s Hospital of Shanghai Jiaotong University; Institute of Medical Imaging of Shanghai Jiaotong University, No. 600, Yishan Road, Shanghai 200233, China
Guang-Yu Tang, Ying-Sheng Cheng, Department of Radiology, the Tenth People’s Hospital of Shanghai Tongji University, No. 301, Yanchang Middle Road, Shanghai 200072, China
Author contributions: Liang XM and Cheng YS contributed equally to this work; Liang XM and Cheng YS designed the research; Liang XM and Zhou B performed the research; Liang XM analyzed the data and wrote the paper; Tang GY and Cheng YS revised the paper.
Correspondence to: Dr. Ying-Sheng Cheng, Professor, Department of Radiology, the Tenth People’s Hospital of Shanghai Tongji University, No. 301, Yanchang Middle Road, Shanghai 200072, China. cjr.chengysh@vip.163.com
Telephone: +86-21-66301136
Fax: +86-21-66303983
Received: February 6, 2009
Revised: March 8, 2009
Accepted: March 15, 2009
Published online: May 7, 2009
Abstract

AIM: To establish a rabbit rectal VX2 carcinoma model for the study of rectal carcinoma.

METHODS: A suspension of VX2 cells was injected into the rectum wall under the guidance of X-ray fluoroscopy. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were used to observe tumor growth and metastasis at different phases. Pathological changes and spontaneous survival time of the rabbits were recorded.

RESULTS: Two weeks after VX2 cell implantation, the tumor diameter ranged 4.1-5.8 mm and the success implantation rate was 81.8%. CT scanning showed low-density foci of the tumor in the rectum wall, while enhanced CT scanning demonstrated asymmetrical intensification in tumor foci. MRI scanning showed a low signal of the tumor on T1-weighted imaging and a high signal of the tumor on T2-weighted imaging. Both types of signals were intensified with enhanced MRI. Metastases to the liver and lung could be observed 6 wk after VX2 cell implantation, and a large area of necrosis appeared in the primary tumor. The spontaneous survival time of rabbits with cachexia and multiple organ failure was about 7 wk after VX2 cell implantation.

CONCLUSION: The rabbit rectal VX2 carcinoma model we established has a high stability, and can be used in the study of rectal carcinoma.

Keywords: Rectal carcinoma, Animal model, Rabbit, VX2, Computed tomography, Magnetic resonance imaging