Fig. 3.

Hematoxylin and Eosin stained microscopic images in five groups (×200). 1st row: gross evaluation of the abdominal cavity; 2nd row: histopathological assessment of liver tissue; and 3rd row: histopathological assessment of pancreatic tissue. In the control group (P), injection of Panc02 cells led to tumor formation at the pancreatic tail. Microscopically, the tumor cells showed significant pleomorphism and atypical nuclei, while the liver tissue appeared normal. In the STZ/P group, tumor formation at the pancreatic tail was observed following STZ injection. Tumor cell infiltration and scattered inflammatory cells were present in the pancreatic tissue. The liver tissue contained a small number of inflammatory cells. In the P/STZ group, an irregular tumor at the pancreatic tail (white arrows) and a metastatic nodule on the liver surface (black arrow) were observed. Both pancreatic and liver tissues exhibited tumor cells accompanied by inflammatory infiltrates. STZ, streptozotocin; STZ/P, STZ injection before Panc02 cell injection; P/STZ, STZ injection after Panc02 cell injection.