Harmelin, A., Experimental Animal Center, Weizmann Institute of Science, 76100 Rehovot, Israel
Pinthus, J.H., Depts. of Urology and Immunology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, 52621, Israel
Katzir, N., Neweya'ar, Agricultural Research Organization, POB 1021, Ramat Ishai, Israel
Kapon, A., Experimental Animal Center, Weizmann Institute of Science, 76100 Rehovot, Israel
Volcani, Y., Experimental Animal Center, Weizmann Institute of Science, 76100 Rehovot, Israel
Amariglio, E.N., Pediat. Hematol.-Oncology Department, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, 52621, Israel
Rehavi, G., Pediat. Hematol.-Oncology Department, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, 52621, Israel

Objective: To develop a murine model for canine transmissible venereal tumor (CTVT). Animals: Thirty-three 6-week-old NOD/LtSz-scid (NOD/SCID) mice and seven 6-week-old C57BL/6J mice. Procedure: Samples of CTVT were excised from a 3-year-old dog and inoculated SC into ten 6-week-old NOD/SCID mice to induce growth of xenograft transmissible venereal tumor (XTVT). To establish mouse-to-mouse transmission, samples of XTVT were removed and inoculated SC into 4 groups of 6-week-old NOD/SCID mice and into a control group. Samples of CTVT were also inoculated into immunocompetent C57BL/6J mice for a mouse antibody production (MAP) test. The canine and xenografted tumors were evaluated cytologically and histologically, and polymerase chain reaction was performed for detection of the rearranged LINE/c-MYC junction. Results: 8 of 10 NOD/SCID mice that were inoculated with CTVT developed tumors 3 to 10 weeks after inoculation. In the second-generation xenograft, all mice developed tumors by postinoculation day 47; 1 X 106 of XTVT cells were enough to create a xenograft. Metastases developed in 4 of 20 mice. Xenografted and metastatic tumors retained cytologic, histologic, and molecular characteristics of CTVT, Results of the MAP test were negative for all pathogens. Conclusion: We established an NOD/SCID murine model for XTVT and metastasis of CTVT. This model should facilitate study of tumor transplantation, progression, and metastasis and should decrease or eliminate the need for maintaining allogenic transfer in dogs. (Am J Vet Res 2001;62:907-911).