| Abstract |
Multiple models in vitro and in vivo of human prostatic cancer are
required for the development and preliminary testing of potential agents
for the treatment of this disease. A few human prostatic tumour cell lines
have been established in cell culture or as xenografts in athymic nude
mice, mainly from metastatic prostate tissue. A new human prostatic cell
line, TEN/12, from a primary tumour, has been serially passaged in athymic
nude mice which should prove to be a useful additional model. The tumour
displays both anaplastic and glandular regions, pleomorphic nuclei and
abundant mitoses (65/1000 cells). Heterogenous distribution of prostatic
acid phosphatase and prostate specific antigen expression is seen in
sections of the xenografts. Extensive vascularization of the primary
tumour and xenografts has prompted the search for angiogenesis factor
expression in these cells. The TEN/12 xenografts appear to be androgen
sensitive as excellent growth is observed in intact males and testosterone
supplemented males but no tumours have yet been observed in females or
castrated males. Analysis of nuclear steroid hormone receptor indicated
high affinity binding with a Kd 4.1 x 10-9 M/l and a receptor content of
611 fmoles/mg DNA. Various hormonal modalities are presently being tested
using this in vivo model. The cells from the xenografts can be cultured in
semi-solid agar containing medium DMEM, supplemented with 10% foetal calf
serum, insulin and 5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone, so providing an in vitro
experimental model of prostatic carcinoma.
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