OBJECTIVETo explore the invasiveness of xenografts on chicken embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) after tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) gene transfection.

METHODSFresh ameloblastoma tissues were minced into 1-2 mm3 and transplanted on the CAM. There were three groups named as control group (Empt), plasma transfection group (Lipo), and TIMP-2 gene transfection group (P). The specimens were respectively investigated by microscope indifferent spots after implanting. The volume of the xenografts and the weight of xenografts in the termination time of the experiment were recorded. The invasiveness of xenografts was divided into four grades by pathological examination. Western blot analysis was performed to investigate matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MIMP-2) and TIMP-2 protein in xenografts.

RESULTSAmeloblastoma tissues can survive on CAM and the tumor cells may invade it on 5-7 days after implanting. At 9 d after implanting, the invasiveness grades in P group were 7 in grade 0, 1 in grade 2, 0 in grade 3. The expression of TIMP-2 protein in P group was significantly higher than that in Empt group (P < 0.05). The expression of MMP-2 protein in P group was lower than that in Empt group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe xenotransplanted tumor model of human ameloblastoma on CAM was successfully established. The invasiveness of ameloblastoma xenografts was suppressed might be due to TIMP-2 gene transfection.