This article describes a surgical procedure for inducing tumor growth in the uterine horns of a rabbit model. The method involves the injection of a tumor cell suspension into the myometrium, leading to the development of metastases.
To begin, prep an anesthetized female rabbit in the dorsal position. Make a surgical incision through its abdominal wall to expose the abdominal cavity. Locate the uterine horns. These tubular structures are analogous to two distinct uteri extending from the fallopian tubes and opening up into two separate cervices on both sides. Surgically tie up the uterine horns on either side at a site closer to the cervices to isolate the distal uterine horn regions.
Now, inject a highly metastasizing desired tumor cell suspension into the myometrium or the outer muscular layer of the uterus at a point between the suture site and the cervix. Place the uterine horns back into the abdomen. Close the incision and allow the rabbit to recover. Within days of injection, a tumor develops at the site of injection. The cells from this tumor, with high metastatic potential, may travel through the lymphatic system and extravasate into lymph nodes, resulting in lymph node metastases.
Use a number 11 scalpel blade to make a 2.5-centimeter incision, 1 centimeter cranial to the symphysis pubis through skin and subcutaneous tissue. Incise the rectus fascia and dissect the rectus muscles laterally to expose the underlying peritoneum. Confirm that the under surface is clear of bowel or other abdominal organs. Sharply enter the peritoneum to identify the urinary bladder and sweep a gloved finger superiorly, posteriorly, and laterally over the apex of the bladder to locate the uterine horns.
Extract the uterine horns through the abdominal incision to rest on the abdominal wall. Use a 3-0 braided absorbable suture to perform a single suture ligation of each uterine horn, approximately 1.5 to 2 centimeters distal to the cervices and just medial to the uterine arteries. Then, tie the sutures snugly to occlude the distal uterine horns.
To inoculate the myometrium with the previously prepared VX2 cell suspension, load a 1-milliliter syringe equipped with a 27 gauge needle with 1 milliliter of cells. Slowly inject 0.5 milliliters of the cell suspension over 1 minute into each uterine horn proximal to the suture site between the suture and the cervix. Then, apply pressure to the myometrial injection site for 30 seconds to minimize cell leakage. Inspect the injection and suture sites for hemostasis before placing the uterine horns back into the abdomen.
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