The intake of folate-conjugated silica-coated gold nanorods in rabbits with VX-2 liver cancer: an experimental study

Objective: To establish the rabbit model with hepatic VX-2 tumor and to investigate the intake of folate-conjugated silica-coated gold nanorods (GNRs@SiO₂-FA) in experimental rabbits. Methods: Under CT-guidance, animal model with VX-2 liver cancer was established in 27 rabbits by using puncture inoculation method. CT scanning and sonography were employed to observe the tumor growth. After two weeks, the rabbits were randomly and equally divided into blank control group (n =9, injection of saline), portal vein injection group (n = 9, injection of GNRs@SiO₂-FA) and intra-tumoral injection group (n = 9, injection of GNRs@SiO₂-FA). Every three rabbits from each group were sacrificed each time at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after the treatment. The tumor tissue and the major organs were collected and sent for pathological examination. The cellular uptake of GNRs@SiO₂-FA was studied by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Results: The rabbit model of VX-2 liver cancer was successfully established. CT and sonography examination indicated that the tumor was rich in blood supply. Confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed that GNRs@SiO₂-FA could specifically bind with tumor cells within 24 hours after injection, then the GNRs@SiO₂-FA entered into the tumor cells and gathered in the tumor cytoplasm. Conclusion: GNRs@SiO₂-FA has highly targeted effect on the liver cancer cells in experimental animals, which has very important application prospect in targeting hyperthermia therapy and in ¹²⁵I seed implantation therapy. (authors)