Induction of tumors in the stomach and nervous system of the ACI/N rat by continuous oral administration of 1-methyl-3-acetyl-1-nitrosourea

Meningioma animal models: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Animal models are widely used to study pathological processes and drug (side) effects in a controlled environment. There is a wide variety of methods available for establishing animal models depending on the research question. Commonly used methods in tumor research include xenografting cells (established/commercially available or primary patient-derived) or whole tumor pieces either orthotopically or heterotopically and the more recent genetically engineered models-each type with their own advantages and disadvantages. The current systematic review aimed to investigate the meningioma model types used, perform a meta-analysis on tumor take rate (TTR), and perform critical appraisal of the included studies. The study also aimed to assess reproducibility, reliability, means of validation and verification of models, alongside pros and cons and uses of the model types.

METHODS

We searched Medline, Embase, and Web of Science for all in vivo meningioma models. The primary outcome was tumor take rate. Meta-analysis was performed on tumor take rate followed by subgroup analyses on the number of cells and duration of incubation. The validity of the tumor models was assessed qualitatively. We performed critical appraisal of the methodological quality and quality of reporting for all included studies.

RESULTS

We included 114 unique records (78 using established cell line models (ECLM), 21 using primary patient-derived tumor models (PTM), 10 using genetically engineered models (GEM), and 11 using uncategorized models). TTRs for ECLM were 94% (95% CI 92-96) for orthotopic and 95% (93-96) for heterotopic. PTM showed lower TTRs [orthotopic 53% (33-72) and heterotopic 82% (73-89)] and finally GEM revealed a TTR of 34% (26-43).

CONCLUSION

This systematic review shows high consistent TTRs in established cell line models and varying TTRs in primary patient-derived models and genetically engineered models. However, we identified several issues regarding the quality of reporting and the methodological approach that reduce the validity, transparency, and reproducibility of studies and suggest a high risk of publication bias. Finally, each tumor model type has specific roles in research based on their advantages (and disadvantages).

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO-ID CRD42022308833.

An experimental model for anaplastic astrocytomas and glioblastoma using adult F344 rats and N-methyl-N-nitrosourea

An experimental model for induction of gliomas corresponding to human anaplastic astrocytomas and glioblastomas is reported. Eleven week old F344 and ACI rats were given 100 or 200 p.p.m. N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) solution as their drinking water for 42 weeks. Gliomas were induced at very high incidences (82.5-92.5%) in each group. Induced gliomas showed apparent evidence of morphologic malignancy by an analysis based on diagnostic criteria of human astrocytomas. All of the gliomas from the killed animals were classified histologically into subtypes according to the classification scheme used in the diagnosis of human gliomas. The majority of macrotumors more than 1 mm in diameter in both strains were diagnosed as anaplastic astrocytomas and glioblastomas. Immunohistochemically, tumor cells in these tumors were almost negative for glial fibrillary acidic protein, while ultrastructurally neoplastic astrocytes contained glial filaments. A strain difference was observed in the ratio of histological subtypes of macrotumors. In F344 rats, astrocytic tumors diagnosed as anaplastic astrocytomas and glioblastomas of an astrocytic type formed the majority, whereas glioblastomas of mixed oligo-astrocytic type predominated in ACI rats. The results indicate that MNU-administration to adult F344 rats may provide a suitable experimental model for gliomas which occur in adult humans.

Organ-specific carcinogenicity of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea in F344 and ACI/N rats

Male and female F344 rats were continuously administered N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) in their drinking water at concentrations of 200 or 100 ppm, and both sexes of ACI/N rats were given MNU at a concentration of 200 ppm. By the 42nd week of the experiment, high incidences of brain/spinal cord tumors were observed in both strains of rats. Histologically, many of them were astrocytomas or anaplastic astrocytomas. In addition, malignant neurinomas were also detected in the spinal nerve roots and trigeminal nerves, although their incidences were rather low. There was no difference in the type and incidence of these neurogenic tumors between the two strains of rats. Tumors of the tongue and esophagus were mainly observed in the high-dose group of F344 rats and those of the glandular stomach were observed in the low-dose group of F344 rats. In ACI/N rats, tumors of the heart and renal pelvis were detected. The organ-specific carcinogenicity of MNU in these two strains of rats was compared with that of MNU in Donryu rats. It was demonstrated that organ specificity of MNU given orally was influenced not only by the strain of rats but also by the dose level.

Mammary tumorigenic effect of a new nitrosourea, 1,3-dibutyl-l-nitrosourea (B-BNU), in female Donryu rats

Four groups (groups 1-4) of female Donryu rats were given continuously 400, 200, 100, or 0 ppm solution of 1,3-dibutyl-l-nitrosourea (B-BNU) as their drinking water, and were studied for the development of tumors. The incidence of mammary tumors was 15/19 (79%), 20/24 (83%), 21/26 (81%), and 8/25 (32%) in groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. In addition, hematopoietic neoplasms, uterine tumors, and vaginal tumors developed in 13, 11, and six rats, respectively in 69 treated rats. Other tumors were infrequent.