Problem with CD2F1 mouse CT26 cell cachexia protocol. - CT26 treated mice gained weight. (Jan/08/2009 )

We are trying to induce cachexia in CD2F1 mice with CT26 cells. We are using a research paper as a quide, and injected 100ul of 1x10^7cells/ml SQ in the right flank, and an equal volume of PBS in the control mice.

The paper reports a steady decrease in weight starting day 12. Our mice started to rapidly gain weight (0.25g/day) compared to the control. This is no doubt due to the tumor weight, which became very large, but the mice remained very healthy and active. The mice were euthanized on day 21 because the skin over the tumors was ulcerating, but the muscles showed no sign of atrophy (histology and qPCR).

Does anyone have any experience with this protocol?

Thanks.
Sharon

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Hello,
I used this model several years ago - did a total of 2 - 3 pilot experiments in collaboration with the D. Guttridge lab at Ohio State. This model induced cachexia each time. Our endpoints included (1) body weight, which decreased, despite the growing tumor, within 7 days and continued until end of experiment at 14 days; and (2) the weights of 3 hind limb muscles: the gastrocnemius, quadriceps and tibialis anterior, which reliably decrease in this model. We didn't move forward to look at intramuscular proteins or gene expression since the results of the pilot studies were negative.

The only thing I can think of is to make sure you are using the right cell line or that it hasn't changed with time in culture. Also, there is a subtle distinction between CT26 cells and C-26 cells (which we used), though both are derived from the same murine colon adenocarcinoma. I will post info tomorrow, as I absolutely MUST leave my office now. Sorry!

SK

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