Development and characterization of MCF7 mammary carcinoma xenografts in a non-immunocompromised rat model

Purpose: To investigate the development of mammary tumours in female Sprague-dawley rats through a simple subcutaneous injection of human adenocarcinoma breast cells (MCF7) in combination with basement membrane matrix (BME).Methods: Nine Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups. Group A received no injection, group B was injected with MCF7 cells at a cell density of 7.2 x 106/ml, and group C was co-injected with MCF7 and BME at 7.2 x 106/ml and 3.158 mg/ml, respectively. Tumour growth was observed over a duration of 70 days. Hematological analysis was performed using differential blood cell counts. Histological evaluation was carried out using standard LM techniques and H&E staining.Results: At day 35, RBC concentration across all groups was 8.10 x 106/mm3, whereas by day 70 the range decreased to (7.64 – 7.87) x 106/mm3. White blood cells (WBCs) were within normal range up to day 35, but monocytes and lymphocytes displayed an increase in concentration for group C. Mammary tissues from the thoracic region showed evidence of MCF7 cellular proliferation in both groups B and C.Conclusion: This study reveals that BME enhances tumour growth. Further studies are required to investigate optimization strategies for the development of mammary tumours in alternative recipient animal.Keywords: Tumour induction, MCF7, Histopathology, Thoracic mammary gland, Mammary tumour, Basement membrane matri