The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Vol 37, 111-114, Copyright © 1984 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Carcinogenesis in canine bistomal heterotopic tracheal grafts
RR Paladugu, WG Hammond, JR Benfield, T Jensen, H Pak and K Matsumura
Successful canine lung cancer models have required repeated focal bronchial
carcinogen exposure under general anesthesia. To simplify serial studies of
the respiratory mucosa during carcinogenesis, bistomal autologous
heterotopic tracheal pedicle grafts have been made. These grafts can
readily be returned to the original orthotopic site, and this has been
shown to be a method with which to study reversibility of mucosal changes.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were applied topically to the mucosa three
times a week for 21 to 22 months in 21 grafts. Implants of Silastic polymer
from which carcinogen was released in sustained-release fashion were then
left in the grafts for 4 to 6 weeks. Serial cytological and histological
examinations showed development of atypical squamous metaplasia in the
graft mucosa. Mucosal papillomatosis was noted in 4 of 7 grafts surgically
excised 17 to 18 months after completion of carcinogen exposure. The
heterotopic bistomal tracheal graft provides a useful method for studying
respiratory epithelial carcinogenesis without repeated general anesthesia.
