Establishment of a dynamic endometriosis nude mouse model that allows noninvasive assessment of lesion implantation and development

Objective To establish a dynamic endometriosis nude mouse model that allows noninvasive assessment of lesion implantation and development. Methods Twenty-five female nude mice were devided into subcutaneous group(SC,11mice) and intraperitoneal group(IP,14mice).1～2mm3 whole fragments of human endometrium were infected in vitro by enhanced green fluorescent protein ( EGFP) adenovirus before transplantation into nude mouse (5 pieces per animal). Animals were noninvasively and repeatedly imaged by direct visualization of fluorescent tissue before lesion collection. Results EGFP gene transferred into whole endometrial fragments could be performed.The fluorescent endometrial fragments implanted formed endometriotic-like lesions (average 2 lesions per animal). The lesion could be monitored by stereo fluorescence microscope from the skin of living animal, the area and intensity of fluorescent decreased with the time went on,which lasted for 3 weeks.The lesions that were hardly distinguishable by visual examination could be easily located by EGFP fluorescence. Fluorescence of SC group was dynamically monitored easier than that of group IP.Conclusion This improved SC mouse model allows noninvasive and dynamic studies of lesion implantation and development,and may be taken as a valuable tool for preclinically testing the efficacy of new drugs targeting endometriosis and understanding the pathophysiology of the disease.