In Vivo Modelling of Metastatic Ovarian Cancer in Wistar Rats Induced by a Carcinogen 7,1 dimethylbenz[a]anthracene

Ovarian carcinoma is the second leading cause of death in gynecological cancers after cervical cancer in the world. The use of animal models in testing epithelial ovarian cancer therapy is still necessary, given that the treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer is still not optimal. This study aims to explore the morphologic features and tumor spreading of ovarian cancer in 24-28 weeks of female Wistar rats induced with 2cm silk-coated containing 2mg of 7,1 dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA). We also measured the systemic toxicity of DMBA implantation on female Wistar rats by assessing the liver and kidney function. Twelve Wistar rats were divided into two groups, sham, and DMBA groups. We analyzed the macroscopic features of the ovarian tumor using ultrasonography to assess ovarian volume, weight, and perimeter. We also analyzed the ovarian tissue's histopathology and the metastatic findings. In addition, we also checked the liver and kidney functions. After 28 weeks of DMBA implantation, the DMBA group showed significant differences in volume, weight, and perimeter between the right ovaries implanted with DMBA compared to the left ovaries in the same group and sham group. All histopathological findings of ovarian cancer in rats induced with DMBA in this experiment were of the serous carcinoma type. Macroscopic and microscopic findings showed cancer spread to the liver, intestines, and lungs, similar to the human pattern of metastasis. Finally, DMBA implantation caused an increase in AST levels along with increased urea and creatinine levels compared to sham rats.