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Accessible xenografts of human synovium in the subcutaneous tissues of the ears of SCID mice
Author(s) -
Proudman Susanna M,
Cleland Leslie G,
Fusco Michael,
Mayrhofer Graham
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
immunology and cell biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.999
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1440-1711
pISSN - 0818-9641
DOI - 10.1046/j.1440-1711.1999.00802.x
Subject(s) - medicine , pathology , subcutaneous injection , immunohistochemistry , cell adhesion molecule , cytokine , subcutaneous tissue , immunology
This work was undertaken to examine whether human synovium could be engrafted into subcutaneous pouches in the ears of severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice. Synovium was transplanted into surgically constructed ear pouches. The grafts were examined by histological and immunohistochemical methods after varying periods after engraftment, or after percutaneous injection of TNF‐α. Normal, osteo‐arthritic and rheumatoid synovium was engrafted successfully in subcutaneous ear pouches. The general morphology and cellular compositions of xenografts were retained including human endothelial cells. In rheumatoid xenografts, macrophages, fibroblasts and lymphocytes persisted for at least 4 weeks. Vascular expression of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) was maintained but expression of vascular adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1), E‐selectin and MHC class II diminished with time. Percutaneous injection of TNF‐α induced up‐regulation of VCAM‐1. Human synovium can be engrafted into subcutaneous ear pouches in SCID mice. The xenografts are accessible and respond to injection of a pro‐inflammatory cytokine.