Effect of arterial perfusion of 3-bromopyruvate on transplanted rectal tumors: an experimental study in rabbits

Objective: To investigate the effect of 3-bromopymvate (3-BrPA) on transplanted rectal tumors in experimental rabbit models. Methods: A total of 60 New Zealand white rabbits with transplanted rectal tumor were randomly and equally divided into low-dose (0.5 mmol/L), medium-dose (1.0 mmol/L), high-dose (2.0 mmol/L) treatment groups and saline control group with 15 rabbits in each group. Arterial perfusion of 10 ml 3-BrPA with concentration of 0.5 mmol/L, 1.0 mmol/L and 2.0 mmol/L via caudal mesenteric artery was respectively employed for the rabbits of the corresponding treatment group; the control group was perfused with equal amounts of saline. Four days later, rectal tumors were removed by vivisection. The necrosis degree of tumor cells was determined by microscopic examination, and the necrosis rate was calculated. The effect of different 3-BrPA concentrations on the rectal tumor was evaluated. Results: The rectal tumor transplantation and transcatheter 3-BrPA or saline perfusion was successfully completed in all 60 experimental rabbits. Microscopically,tumor cells showed different degrees of damage in experimental rabbits. In low-dose (0.5 mmol/L) treatment group, grade I necrosis was observed in 3 rabbits, grade II in 11 rabbits, and grade H in one rabbit; the effective rate was 6.7%. In medium-dose (1.0 mmol/L) treatment group, grade II necrosis was seen in 2 rabbits, grade III in 10 rabbits, and grade IV in 3 rabbits; the effective rate was 86.6%. In high-dose (2.0 mmol/L) treatment group, grade III necrosis was detected in 2 rabbits and grade IV in 13 rabbits; the effective rate was 100.0%. In the saline control group, grade I necrosis was observed in 15 rabbits. Statistically significant differences in tumor necrosis rate and effective rate existed between medium-dose (1.0 mmol/L) treatment group and high-dose (2.0 mmol/L) treatment group (P < 0.05). Statistically significant differences in tumor necrosis rate also existed between each other among the four groups with necrosis of grade I to grade W(P < 0.05). 3-BrPA had obvious therapeutic effect, while it showed no damage to the normal intestinal tissue. Conclusion: For the treatment of transplanted rectal tumor in rabbit models, arterial infusion of 3-BrPA has certain therapeutic effect. In the high-dose group,the necrosis rate and effective rate are the highest, and the therapeutic results are the most significant. (authors)