Mouse Cancer Model

(Protocol for an orthotopic pancreatic cancer model in mouse)

Materials:

1. Surgical scissors, forceps, and scalpel.
2. 70% ethanol wipes and Betadine swabs.
3. An autoclip wound applier and stainless-steel autoclips.
4. Q-tips
5. 27- or 30-gauge needles
6. A 1-cc syringe
7. Tumor cells
Anesthetics:

Methoxyflurane

Methods:

The mouse pancreas is a quite diffuse and irregular shaped gland, lying behind the stomach. It is distributed in the mesentery of the duodenal loop and extends to the hilus of the spleen.

1. Anesthetize a nude mouse with methoxyflurane inhalation.
2. Place the mouse in the right lateral decubitus position.
3. Scrub the left flank with Betadine followed by alcohol.
4. Incise the skin and peritoneum longitudinally (parallel to the spine) in the left flank for 0.5-1 cm.
5. Exteriorize the pancreas by pulling up the spleen gently and stabilize it.
6. Insert a 27- or 30-gauge needle on a 1-cc syringe into the parenchyma of the pancreas just below the capsule in the area adjacent to the spleen.
7. Inject 50 µl the material slowly. A raised fluid bleb is a criterion for a successful injection.
8. Retract the needle.
9. Place a Q-tip over the injection site for 30 seconds to prevent bleeding and spillage of material.
10. Return the spleen to the peritoneum.
11. Close the wound with wound clip in one layer.