Looking for the best mouse model to study retinoblastoma

Abstract

PurposeRetinoblastoma is the most common primary intraocular tumor in children. Current therapies have many adverse effects. New approaches must therefore be developed and evaluated on animal models. Retinoblastoma mouse models include transgenic mice and patient‐derived xenografts. We report our experience with orthotopic xenograft models of retinoblastoma using different mice strains.MethodsHuman retinoblastoma tumors were established and maintained by xenografted cells from enucleated eyes on immunodeficient mice. The orthotopic model was obtained by subretinal injection of cells in suspension in the right eye of immunodeficient (nude, SCID) and immunocompetent mice (C57BL6N, B6ALB). Tumor growth was monitored by SD‐OCT imaging and histology was also performed.ResultsTumor growth was observed both in immunocompetent and in immunodeficient mice. Chronic retinal detachment may occur after the subretinal injection. Retinal, subretinal and vitreal tumor growth were achieved in four different strains. Retinal anatomy (thickness and number of layers) is different in nude mice. Mouse strains include immunocompetent and immunodeficient mice, albino and pigmented mice. Albino mice suffer from light‐induced retinal degeneration and a retinal degeneration mutation is present in the C57Bl6 strain. Consequently, visual function after treatment can be difficult to interpret in these mice. Retinal anatomy in nude mice may be responsible for chronic retinal detachment after the subretinal injection.ConclusionsThe genetic background of a given mouse can influence on its visual properties but it does not seem to influence the establishment of a xenograft model.