Phenotypic analysis of mice xenografted with canine epitheliotropic cutaneous T-cell lymphoma cells.

BACKGROUND: In canine epitheliotropic cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (ECTCL), neoplastic cells cause skin lesions and potentially metastasize to lymph nodes, blood and other organs. Murine models are potentially valuable for elucidating the molecular mechanisms responsible for regulation of ECTCL cell migration.

HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To describe a phenotype of mice xenografted with canine ECTCL cells (EO-1 cells).

ANIMALS: Four NOD.CB17-Prkdcscid /J (NOD SCID) mice were used.

METHODS AND MATERIALS: EO-1 cells were subcutaneously xenografted into NOD SCID mice. After four weeks, the development of tumour lesions in skin and other organs was investigated.

RESULTS: Mice developed skin lesions with metastasis to the lymph nodes, spleen, lung, blood and liver.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Mice xenografted with EO-1 cells may be useful for studying the pathogenesis of canine ECTCL.