Neurological grading, survival, MR imaging, and histological evaluation in the @entity35 XXXX model.

@entity5 @entity3003 @entity11 @entity35 @entity413
OBJECTIVE: Convection-enhanced delivery using @entity3003 in @entity11 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 @entity35 @entity11 model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 46 male Fisher @entity35 stereotactically 10(5) 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 Alzet pumps (1 microl/h over 7 days) with either vehicle (5% @entity413 ) or @entity3003 via one or two cannulas, respectively. All @entity35 were subsequently tested neurologically using a specified neurological score. In 38 animals survival time was recorded. Representative MR imaging were acquired in eight @entity35 , respectively, at day 12 after implantation. HE staining was used to evaluate @entity5 extension. RESULTS: Neurological scoring showed significantly higher impairment in the high dose @entity3003 group during the treatment period. Survival was significantly prolonged compared to control animals in the high dose @entity3003 -one cannula group as well as in both low dose @entity3003 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 @entity11 model showed significant efficacy for histological changes and survival. Our neurological grading enables quantification of drug and @entity5 -related morbidity as an important factor for functional performance during therapy.
