Proliferative and apoptotic activity of glioblastoma multiforme cells cultured on in ovo model.

AIM The influence of antitumor compounds on glioblastoma cell activity can be successfully investigated on an in ovo model. To consider an in ovo model as a reliable tool for estimation of anticancer drug efficacy, the biological activity of tumors growing in such conditions should be comparable to spontaneous cases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the biological characteristics of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) tumors - defined as their proliferative and apoptotic activities - growing on an in ovo model. MATERIALS AND METHODS The GBM U-87 cell line was cultured on the chorioallantoic membrane of chicken eggs. After 12 days, cells were isolated and processed with H&E and immunohistochemical methods. The proliferative activity of GBM was established on the basis of mitotic and Ki-67(+) cells index. Apoptotic index was estimated by the Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) method. RESULTS The biological activity of tumor tissue cultured in ovo corresponds to that of primary glioblastoma multiforme. CONCLUSION GBM in in ovo model can be successfully applied in oncological studies.