Mouse Cancer Model

(Protocol for an orthotopic renal 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. 30-gauge needles
6. A 1-cc syringe
7. Tumor cells
Anesthetics:

Methoxyflurane

Methods:

Two kidneys are located in the dorsal part of abdominal cavity with the right kidney slightly more cranial than the left.

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 abdominal wall longitudinally (parallel to the spine) in the left flank for 0.5-1 cm.
5. Lift the kidney (immediately caudal to the spleen which can be seen through the skin) out of peritoneum and stabilize it gently.
6. Insert a 30-gauge needle attached to a 1-cc syringe either (a) into the parenchyma from the caudal pole of the kidney and advance it until its tip reach just below the capsule of the cranial pole; or (b) just below the renal capsule near the caudal pole and carefully advance the tip of needle along the capsule cranially 3-4mm.
7. Inject 50 µl the material slowly. A visible pale wheal indicates 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 kidney to the peritoneum.
11. Close the wound with wound clip in one layer.