Figure 4. Tumor implantation with fibroblasts accelerates tumor growth and metastases.
A) Schematic representing implantation approach. 2.5×105 fibroblasts were combined with 1×105 PyVmT tumor cells and orthotopically implanted into 12 week old virgin female mice left #4 mammary fat pads. B) Mice were palpated weekly and when palpable tumors were discovered they were measured with digital calipers for size. Mice continued to be measured until they reached the IACUC limit of 2cm in primary tumor size and euthanized. C–F) Representative images of H&E staining for control and cKO implant tumors. G–H) Representative images of BrdU IHC for control and cKO implant tumors. I–J) Representative images of cleaved caspase-3 IHC for control and cKO implant tumors. K–L) Quantification of BrdU and cleaved caspase-3 IHC comparing control and cKO tumors. M) Average number of lung metastases per experimental group. Scale bars C–D=200μM, E–F=50μM G–J=100μM. Significance was determined by a students t-test. Error bars indicate SD.