A study of astrocytomas in VM mice

Craig, Selina J (1980) A study of astrocytomas in VM mice. MSc(R) thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

This work consists of a study of the naturally occurring brain tumour which arises in the VM strain of mouse. This astrocytoma has clinical and pathological similarities to the human glioma. It is not known whether the appearance of such gliomas is due to pure genetic factors, the interaction of genetic and environmental influences, or the environment alone. Clinical signs consist of ruffling of the fur, development of a hunched posture, loss of hind leg spreading reflexes, ataxia and weight loss. With progression of the disease there is exaggeration of these features, together with immobility and loss of righting reflexese. Pathologically the brain shows swelling and diffuse infiltration of anaplastic astrocytoma. The VM astrocytoma can be maintained by passive transfer with intracerebral (i.c.) injections of fresh or frozen tumour homogenates into the VM and other mouse strains. Mice injected i.c. with tumour show clinical signs of severe disease about 21 days later. Passage of the astrocytoma is related to the cell density of the inoculums. Attempts at transmission with killed cells occasionally proved successful, but the cell free filtrates were ineffective. It was found that the tumour could be passaged in mice across the histocompatibility barriers into the SJL/J, C5TBL 10/ScSn and BSC strains. The tumour was also successfully transplanted into neonatal hamsters and gerbils. The VM astrocytoma was transmissible after being maintained for variable periods in tissue culture. The incubation period before clinical signs appeared was found to be dependent upon the time the tumour was maintained in culture and the cell concentrations Primary tumour cultures were effective in transferring tumours, whereas subcultures were found to be ineffective. The effects of various drugs on the VM tumour were studied in vivo and in vitro. An antiviral agent, Ribavirin (1-B-D Ribofuranosyl-1,2-4-triazole-3 carboxamide) and testosterone had no effects on the tumour when administered in vivo. Prolonged treatment of the host with Levamisole, an immunostimulant drug, prior to and following i.c. injection did not influence tumour growth. Treatment with the steroid drug Dexamethasone did reduce clinical signs and extend the survival time. Ribavirin and P113 (angiotensin II antagonist - Saralasin acetate) were examined in vitro for any inhibitory effects on tumour transmission of the cultured VM astrocytoma. In this preliminary experiment, Ribavirin appeared to be without effect, whereas the angiotensin II antagonist, P113 showed a capacity to delay outset of clinical signs. This study extends clinical and pathological data on this unique murine brain tumour.

• Item Type: Thesis (MSc(R))
• Qualification Level: Masters
• Additional Information: Adviser: P O Behan
• Keywords: Oncology
• Date of Award: 1980
• Depositing User: Enlighten Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:1980-73204
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 14 Jun 2019 08:56
• Last Modified: 14 Jun 2019 08:56
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/73204