The matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor batimastat inhibits the lung colonisation of orthotopically implanted malignant pancreatic tumor cells in SCID mice.

Abstract

Aim of study: In this study, we investigated the effect of the matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor batimastat on the lung colonisation of orthotopically implanted malignant pancreatic tumor cells in SCID mice.

Material and methods: Following intraperitoneal anaesthesia, 10(6) Panc-TU-1 cells were orthotopically implanted in the head of the pancreas in 20 SCID mice. Seven days later, treatment of 10 of these mice with an intraperitoneal injection of batimastat (30 mg/kg body weight) was begun and continued for 14 days. Of the mice in the untreated control group, 3 were sacrificed and examined after 7 days, a further 3 after 14 days and the remainder together with the group that had been treated after 21 days.

Results: Tumor growth was clearly visible between the 14th. and the 21st. postoperative day. The orthotopically implanted tumor cells metastasized between the 2nd. and 3rd. postoperative week in the lung. In the control group, a diffuse metastasis of the lung was observed, but in the group of treated mice no lung metastases were found.

Conclusion: In this mouse model, a clear reduction and inhibition of lung metastases from orthotopically implanted pancreatic tumor cells was achieved by treatment with the matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor batimastat.