EFFECTS OF MATRIGEL ON THE SF-767 MALIGNANT GLIOMA ATHYMIC MOUSE-TUMOR MODEL

Matrigel, an extracellular matrix material has been used to promote gr owth of experimental tumors. SF-767, a human glioblastoma cell line is used in brain tumor research. We investigated Matrigel induced change s in tumor latency, growth rate, cell yield, plating efficiency, and h istology of SF-767 tumors in athymic mice. Low volume (0.1 ml) Matrige l did not increase growth rate in comparison with control tumors but a ppeared to promote uniformity in growth. High volume (0.5 ml) Matrigel increased the initial rate of tumor growth increased cell yield and p roduced tumors with a centralized area of residual Matrigel and necrot ic cells, with viable cells on the periphery of the mass. On average t umors grown with Matrigel had shorter latency periods and lower platin g efficiencies. We conclude that important characteristics of the SF-7 67 tumor model, which may be important when evaluating efficacy of ant icancer agents, are altered by Matrigel.