The management of primary lymphoma of the central nervous system (PCNSL) re
mains controversial and patients' outcome dismal. In order to investigate n
ew selective therapeutic strategies in a controlled system, a reproducible
model of PCNSL in nude rats was developed and characterized. Human B lympho
ma cells (BL2) were implanted in the brain frontal area in New Zealand nude
rats through a silastic device sealed to the skull. Fifteen and 30 days po
st-implantation, animals were sacrificed. An autopsy was performed. Represe
ntative brain sections were cut and examined for the presence of lymphoma.
Immunohistochemistry was performed for proliferation (MIB1-Ki67), a B-cell
marker (L26-CD20), a T-cell marker (UCHL1-CD45RO).
The analysis of the brains showed tumor growth in 88% of the rats. No morta
lity was observed. At autopsy no extracerebral, spinal or cerebellar metast
asis were found. Microscopically the brain tumors appeared non-encapsulated
, highly vascularized, with a characteristic perivascular and diffuse lymph
omatous spread in the parenchyma. Immunohistochemistry showed a marked posi
tivity of the tumor cells for L26. Tumor cells were negative for UCHL1. Mea
n proliferation rate was 30%. The device was well tolerated and caused no l
ocal infection. Controlled studies on PCNSL in animal models are lacking. T
his PCNSL model in nude rats reproduces the histology and location of human
CNS lymphoma. Tumor dimensions are within the resolution limits of CT and
MRI and therefore suitable for stereotactic therapy. This model provides a
tool to test new chemo and radiotherapeutical strategies in a controlled fa
shion.