Heat shock protein expression in human tumours grown in severe combined immunodeficient mice

The constitutional expression of heat shock proteins (HSP) 27, 70 and 90 in human breast, colon and ovarian cancer cells transplanted into severe comb ined immunodeficient (SCID) mice was evaluated. In addition their induced e xpression under chemotherapeutic stress was analyzed. The oestrogen recepto r positive breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7, T47D) demonstrated an increased level of HSP 27 and 70 expression compared with oestrogen receptor negativ e cell lines (BT20, HBL100). After 5-fluorouracil application for 4 days, H SP 27 and 70 expression was increased in HT29 colon tumours. Hence, the hum an/SCID mouse model is well suited to evaluate the constitutional and induc ed expression of human HSPs under various experimental conditions. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.