NU 2006-021
Inventors
Reed Omary
Robert Ryu
Abstract
Northwestern investigators have created an animal model platform that successfully induces the formation of fibroids in the rabbit uterus. They are able to use MRI to detect acute perfusion changes in this model following uterine artery embolization (UAE). Such an animal model would be desirable for interventional radiologists to: a) test embolic therapies; b) determine the most appropriate endpoint for UAE; and c) develop innovative imaging techniques. The rabbit VX2 carcinoma model has been used in the liver, lung, and kidneys. VX2 uterine implantation in rabbits successfully induces a fibroid animal model that responds to UAE. In the acute setting, UAE significantly reduces perfusion to rabbit VX2 uterine tumors, as documented by enhanced MRI.
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