Modification of a rodent hindlimb model of secondary lymphedema: surgical radicality versus radiotherapeutic ablation.

ABSTRACT: Secondary lymphedema is an intractable disease mainly caused by damage of the lymphatic system during surgery, yet studies are limited by the lack of suitable animal models. The purpose of this study was to create an improved model of secondary lymphedema in the hindlimbs of rodents with sustained effects and able to mimic human lymphedema. This was achieved by combining previously reported surgical methods and radiation to induce chronic lymphedema. Despite more radical surgical destruction of superficial and deep lymphatic vessels, surgery alone was not enough to sustain increased hindlimb volume. Radiotherapy was necessary to prolong these effects, with decreased lymphatic flow on lymphoscintigraphy, but hindlimb necrosis occurred after 4 weeks due to radiation toxicity. The applicabili

SUBMITTER: Park HS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3856125 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature