Xenotransplanted Human Prostate Carcinoma (DU145) Cells Develop into Carcinomas and Cribriform Carcinomas: Ultrastructural Aspects

Abstract

Androgen-independent, human prostate carcinoma cells (DU145) develop into solid, carcinomatous xenotransplants on the diaphragm of nu/nu mice. Tumors encompass at least two poorly differentiated cell types: a rapidly dividing, eosinophilic cell comprises the main cell population and a few, but large basophilic cells able to invade the peritoneal stroma, the muscular tissue, lymph vessels. Poor cell contacts, intracytoplasmic lumina, and signet cells are noted. Lysosomal activities are reflected by entoses and programmed cell deaths forming cribriform carcinomas. In large tumors, degraded cells may align with others to facilitate formation of blood supply routes. Malignant cells would spread via ascites and through lymphatics.

KEYWORDS::

• Alveoli
• angiogenesis
• anoikis
• cribriform carcinoma
• desmosomes
• DU145
• entosis
• intracellular lumen
• phagocytosis
• prostate carcinoma
• xenotransplantation

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The content of this study was part of the 1st International Symposium on Innovative Anticancer Drugs and Strategies, held in Newcastle upon Tyne, June 2010, sponsored by St Georges’ University School of Medicine, Grenada W.I. and New York; IC-Med Tech, San Diego, CA; and Summa Research Foundation, Akron, OH, in memorial to our colleague H. S. Taper, deceased. Steve Getch, communication specialist of Summa, is recognized for his contribution in the illustrative setting and for electronic communication assistance.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper. The Summa Health System Research Foundation, Akron, OH and St Georges’ University SOM provided support for this study.