Subcutenous Xenografts of Human T-Lineage Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Jurkat Cells in Nude Mice

Background: Human T-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) Jurkat cells are often used for in vitro screening of anticancer compounds; however, in vivo models employing Jurkat cells have not yet been sufficiently described. In this report, the growth characteristics and histology of tumor masses developed following subcutaneous (s.c.) implantation of Jurkat cells into nude mice are presented. Materials and Methods: Five million Jurkat cells in Matrigel (TM) were injected s.c. into female CrTac:Ncr-Foxn1(nu) mice. Serial tumor volumes were determined and tumor sections were stained with hematoxylin/eosin and examined histologically. Results: Tumors developed in 86.4% of the mice at a median of 39 days post-implantation. Tumor regressions and small stationary tumors were observed in 47.4% of the tumor-bearing animals. The remaining animals displayed progressive tumor growth reaching a volume of 1000 mm(3) at median day 48 post-implantation. The tumor histology was consistent with lymphoblastic lymphoma. Conclusion: Due to frequent spontaneous regressions, this model is not appropriate for evaluation of T-ALL targeting therapeutics.