Experimental models of rat brain tumors by stereotactic injection of C6 glioma and HTC hepatoma cell lines

Abstract

In order to develop models for NMR and autoradiographic studies, culture cells were injected stereotac-tically in the caudate nucleus of female rats. C6 glioma cell line was used to simulate primary glial brain tumors, HTC hepatoma cell line was used to induce metastatic brain tumors. C6 induced tumors exhibit an exponential-like pattern of growth, after a 10 days latency period. The tumors are infiltrative, along vessels, fiber bundles and subarachnoidal spaces. HTC induced tumors are well limited. For both types of cells, the brain appears to be a privileged site, while intraperitoneal and intravenous injections of larger amounts of cells lead to lower mortalities. The role of fetal calf serum, present into the cell suspension medium, in inducing an enhanced immunological response against the tumor cells is discussed.