Neurological grading, survival, MR imaging, and histological evaluation in the rat brainstem glioma model

U. W. Thomale, B. Tyler, V. Renard, B. Dorfman, V. P. Chacko, B. S. Carson, E. J. Haberl, G. I. Jallo

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: Convection-enhanced delivery using carboplatin in brainstem glioma models was reported to prolong survival. Functional impairment is of additional importance to evaluate the value of local chemotherapy. We established a neurological scoring system for the rat brainstem glioma model. Material and methods: In 46 male Fisher rats stereotactically 105 F-98 cells were implanted at 1.4-mm lateral to midline and at the lambdoid suture using guided screws. Following 4 days local delivery was performed using AlzetTM pumps (1 μl/h over 7 days) with either vehicle (5% dextrose) or carboplatin via one or two cannulas, respectively. All rats were subsequently tested neurologically using a specified neurological score. In 38 animals survival time was recorded. Representative MR imaging were acquired in eight rats, respectively, at day 12 after implantation. HE staining was used to evaluate tumor extension. Results: Neurological scoring showed significantly higher impairment in the high dose carboplatin group during the treatment period. Survival was significantly prolonged compared to control animals in the high dose carboplatin-one cannula group as well as in both low dose carboplatin groups (18.6∈±∈3 versus 26.3∈±∈9, 22.8∈±∈2, 23.6∈±∈2 days; p∈<∈0. 05). Overall neurological grading correlated with survival time. MR imaging showed a focal contrast enhancing mass in the pontine brainstem, which was less exaggerated after local chemotherapy. Histological slices visualized decreased cellular density in treatment animals versus controls. Conclusion: Local chemotherapy in the brainstem glioma model showed significant efficacy for histological changes and survival. Our neurological grading enables quantification of drug and tumor-related morbidity as an important factor for functional performance during therapy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)433-441
Number of pages9
JournalChild's Nervous System
Volume25
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2009

Keywords

  • Brainstem glioma
  • Convection-enhanced delivery
  • F98 glioma cells
  • Local chemotherapy
  • MR imaging
  • Neurological grading
  • Survival

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Clinical Neurology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Neurological grading, survival, MR imaging, and histological evaluation in the rat brainstem glioma model'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this