We describe the manufacture of compressed hormone pellets, as well as subcutaneous surgical implantation into mice. This strategy can be combined with the growth of cell and tissue xenografts under the renal capsule of athymic nude mice to evaluate hormonal carcinogenesis and regulation of benign prostate growth.
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Method Article
Renal Capsule Xenografting and Subcutaneous Pellet Implantation for the Evaluation of Prostate Carcinogenesis and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
In This Article
Summary
Abstract
New therapies for two common prostate diseases, prostate cancer (PrCa) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), depend critically on experiments evaluating their hormonal regulation. Sex steroid hormones (notably androgens and estrogens) are important in PrCa and BPH; we probe their respective roles in inducing prostate growth and carcinogenesis in mice with experiments using compressed hormone pellets. Hormone and/or drug pellets are easily manufactured with a pellet press, and surgically implanted into the subcutaneous tissue of the male mouse host. We also describe a protocol for the evaluation of hormonal carcinogenesis by combining subcutaneous hormone pellet implantation with xenografting of prostate cell recombinants under the renal capsule of immunocompromised mice. Moreover, subcutaneous hormone pellet implantation, in combination with renal capsule xenografting of BPH tissue, is useful to better understand hormonal regulation of benign prostate growth, and to test new therapies targeting sex steroid hormone pathways.
Introduction
Prostate cancer (PrCa) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are significant health burdens. PrCa is the second most prevalent solid organ cancer in men and a leading cause of cancer related death 1. BPH is also highly prevalent among older men, and it is estimated that the clinical manifestation of BPH, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), will affect 50-90% of men 2. While androgens and estrogens are known to be important in PrCa and BPH, our understanding of the hormonal mechanisms that underlie carcinogenesis and growth remains incomplete 3,4. Simple and genetically tractable animal models underpin the studies that will address th....
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Protocol
1. Preparation of Compressed Hormone/Drug Pellet
- This procedure should be done in a chemical safety hood while wearing a laboratory coat, gloves, mask, safety glasses, and bonnet. To prevent cross-contamination, it is critical that the pellet making equipment is thoroughly cleaned with 70% ethanol prior to and after manufacture of each type of pellet.
- Using an analytical scale and weigh paper, measure desired amount of hormone/drug powder. Approximately 5% extra material is recommended to accommodate loss during pressing.
- Some hormones/drugs require a binding agent or filler, which is mixed prior to pellet manufacture. For example, to m....
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Results
Depending on the hypothesis to be tested, renal capsule xenografting of tissue or cell recombinants can be performed in isolation, or in combination with subcutaneous hormone pellet implantation. A schematic of a hypothetical experiment combining renal capsule xenografting experiment with subcutaneous hormone pellet implantation is illustrated in Figure 1. A variety of powdered and/or crystalline substances can be used in the manufacture of compressed pellets with the pellet press. Figure 2
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Discussion
This paper and the protocol outlined herein describe the manufacture of compressed hormone and/or drug pellets, and the surgical procedure for subcutaneous pellet implantation of mice. Depending on the research question to be addressed, this technique can be performed singly, or in combination with renal capsule xenografting of prostate cell recombinant grafts or prostate tissue xenografts, which are techniques widely used in prostate research 17-19. Taken together, these techniques offer a powerful approach t.......
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Disclosures
The authors declare that they have no competing financial interests.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank all members of the Ricke lab, past and present. We thank Calvin Patten, Jr., DVM and Brigitte Raabe, DVM, for helpful comments regarding the protocol. We would like to acknowledge the NIDDK, NCI, and NIEHS for their financial support for these studies: R01DK093690, R01CA123199, RC2ESO18764. TMN is a trainee in the Medical Scientist Training Program at the University of Rochester funded by NIH T32 GM07356; the NIH under Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award F30DK093173 also supports this project. CDV is supported by T32CA157322 and ABT is supported by T32ES007015 at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The content is solely....
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Materials
| Name | Company | Catalog Number | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pellet press | PARR Industries | 2815 | 3mm Punch & Die set |
| Analytical Balance | Ohaus | 1918302 | Voyager or other |
| Bunsen burner | Fisher Scientific | 03-962Q | |
| Dissecting microscope | Leica | L2 | |
| Deltaphase Pad Kit (reheatable wax) | Braintree Scientific | 39DP | Alternative to an electric heating pad |
| Hot Bead sterilizer | F.S.T. | 18000-45 | |
| Isoflurane Vaporizer | Supera Anesthesia Innov | VAP3000 | |
| Induction Chamber | Supera Anesthesia Innov | RES644 | |
| F/AIR Canister | Supera Anesthesia Innov | 80120 | |
| 4 port Manifold | Supera Anesthesia Innov | RES536 | |
| Rebreathing Circuits | Supera Anesthesia Innov | CIR529 | |
| Inlet/Outlet Fittings | Supera Anesthesia Innov | VAP203/4 | |
| Pressure Reg/Gauge | Supera Anesthesia Innov | OXY508 | |
| Oxygen Flowmeter | Supera Anesthesia Innov | OXY660 | |
| 21mm Clear Tubing | Supera Anesthesia Innov | 301-150 | |
| Small Mice Nose Cone | Supera Anesthesia Innov | ACC526 | |
| Sterile surgical gown | Midwest Vet Supply | 350.79866.2 | |
| Surgical mask | Midwest Vet Supply | 350.50111.2 | 2-ply w/ earloops |
| Sterile gauze | Midwest Vet Supply | 001.14100.2 | 2 x 2 inches |
| Sterile Gloves | Kimberly Clark | 55092 | |
| Bouffant | Midwest Vet Supply | 001.27100.2 | |
| Cotton Tip Applicator | Midwest Vet Supply | 001.06220.2 | |
| Surgical Scrub Wash | Midwest Vet Supply | 733.80010.3 | |
| Sterile Fields (Fenestrated) | General Econopak, Inc | 88VCSTF | |
| REAGENTS | |||
| Cholesterol | Sigma-Aldrich | C-3292 | |
| Testosterone Proprionate | Sigma-Aldrich | T-1875 | |
| 17β-estradiol | Sigma-Aldrich | E-2758 | |
| Isoflurane | Midwest Vet Supply | 193.33161.3 | |
| Carprofen | Midwest Vet Supply | 193.70200.3 | Injectable (Rimadyl) |
| Betadine | Webster Veterinary | 07-836-3379 | |
| Sterile saline | Midwest Vet Supply | 193.74504.3 | NaCl 0.9%, Injectable |
| SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS | |||
| Straight Sharp/Blunt Scissors | Fine Scientific Tools (F.S.T.) | 14054-13 | |
| Graefe forceps (Serrated, Toothed, Curved) | F.S.T. | 11055-10 | |
| Fine Iris scissors | F.S.T. | 14090-09 | |
| Graefe Scalpel | F.S.T. | 10071-12 | |
| Dumont #5 forceps | F.S.T. | 11251-20 | |
| Glass Pasteur pipets | Fisher Scientific | S67050 | 5" length |
| Graefe forceps (Serrated, Curved) | F.S.T. | 11052-10 | |
| Graefe forceps (Serrated, Straight) | F.S.T. | 11050-10 | |
| Vicryl Suture | Midwest Vet Supply | 295-92100.2 | 4-0, FS-2, Absorbable |
| Needle Holder w/ scissor action | F.S.T. | 12002012 | |
| Wound Clips | Braintree Scientific | ACS CS | May use 7mm or 9mm clips |
| Reflex Wound Clipper | F.S.T. | 12031-09 | Correspond w/ wound clip size |
| Would Clip Remover | F.S.T. | 12033-00 | Universal |
| Sterilization Container | F.S.T. | 20810-01 | Any autoclavable container will do |
| Syringe w/ needle | BD | 148292C | 1cc, 25Gx1 |
| Ear Tag Applicator | National Band Tag Co. | 1005s1 | Alternative to ear notching |
| Small Animal Ear Tags | National Band Tag Co. | 1005-1 |
References
- Cancer Facts Figures. 4, American Cancer Society. (2010).
- McVary, K. T. BPH: epidemiology and comorbidities. Am. J. Manag. Care. 12, S122-S128 (2006).
- Nicholson, T. M., Ricke, W. A.
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