Effect of Cyclosporine on the Body Weight of Mice Inoculated with Prostate Cancer Tissues

Abstract

Cancer is a disease characterized by uncontrolled cell proliferation in the body, leading to impaired functions and high mortality. Different models are used to study cancer in vivo and in vitro. Facilities for many of the studies are not available in developing countries. Genetically modified mice for in vivo model may not be available. Cyclosporine is an immunosuppresant drug that may be used to alter mice immunity necessary for development of implanted xenograft cancer tissues. Mice were randomly separated into four groups of five and subcutaneously administered cyclosporine at different doses (5, 20 and 40 mg/kg including negative control) daily for twentyone days. At seven days of drug administration, cancer tissues from prostate cancer human patients were administered to all mice. Body weights of mice were measured at weekly interval. Tumor-like nodules were observed at the site of cancer inoculation and when present were measured. Gross pathology and histopathology were performed. The results showed significant (p< 0.05) increase in body weight gain in only control group where cyclosporine was not administered. The number of tumor-like growth (first observed at day 14) per group and the magnitude of swelling vary directly (p < 0.05) with cyclosporine dose. Mortality varies inversely with the dose. No lesions were observed from the gross pathology. Histopathology revealed presence of neutrophil, plasma cells and oedema with no cancer cells detected. It was concluded that cyclosporine at the dose of 20 mg/kg in mice followed by administration of prostate cancer tissue caused decrease in body weight gain and allow growth of nodule bulging at the site of cancer tissue administration..