I agree with Dinglan on the subject. We run LNCaP xenografts commercially (http://altogenlabs.com/xenograft-models/prostate-cancer-xenograft/lncap-xenograft-model/) and since LNCaP cells are androgen sensitive, is is necessary for the mice to be sexually mature for the experiment to be run successfully. With regards to other factors, 3-week-old mice are fine, but because of the androgen sensitivity, 10 weeks is an early starting point (as we do with nu/nu mice).

It is possible, but it will be technically challenging and there are a few things to consider.

The first is the number of starting cells. We have performed many different types of xenografts, and use on the order of 5-10 million cells subcutaneously. This number will most likely have to be decreased dramatically for young pups. Additionally, the proper placement subcutaneously may be quite difficult on that small of a pup, and anesthesia (if your institution requires it for this procedure) will be quite tricky.

If you are using nude mice hair will not be a problem, but other immunodeficient mice have hair which will play into the surgery as the pups age. Because of this, think ahead as to how you want to monitor the tumor growth over time (e.g. calipers, luciferase, etc.). Additionally, if you perform the procedure on the pups very early in development (1-2 weeks), the mothers may reject nursing the pups once you return them to the cage.

Overall, I think it is conceivably possible to perform this experiment, but you will have to put a lot of forethought into the project before you get started. Additionally, you want to make sure your institution will allow such a procedure on a young animal before you start.

Good luck,

~Adam

4 weeks mice should be no problem.

If you are wanting to do an orthotopic prostate model, then wait until after they are weened to give them enough time to develop (aim for 3-4 weeks old). SubQ can be done any time after 2 weeks. The earliest bone xenografts that we ever got to take in the Bhowmick Lab were with 5 week old mice.

Hi! No problem at all, I just recommend you to use matrigel. This will be important, specially because of the mouse growth and the possible movement of the xenografts secondary to it.

This is a very interesting question you are investigating. I think you can do it, but it depends on what you are after. Matrigel is useful for tumor development and growth, but if you are looking at developmental impact you might not want to use it. I would do a control study of both models.

I would suggest you speak to Adelaide tramp mouse research team. We obtained TRAMP mice at 3 and 12 weeks of age from them and their head office in USA.

You may also consider the time of sexual maturity , because the growth of LNCaP exnograft depends on androgen

I agree with Dinglan on the subject. We run LNCaP xenografts commercially (http://altogenlabs.com/xenograft-models/prostate-cancer-xenograft/lncap-xenograft-model/) and since LNCaP cells are androgen sensitive, is is necessary for the mice to be sexually mature for the experiment to be run successfully. With regards to other factors, 3-week-old mice are fine, but because of the androgen sensitivity, 10 weeks is an early starting point (as we do with nu/nu mice).