Expression of Organic Anion Transporting Polypeptides in an H-Ras 12V Transgenic Mouse Model of Spontaneous Hepatocellular Carcinoma
10.3349/ymj.2021.62.7.622
- Author:
Honsoul KIM
1
;
Junjeong CHOI
;
Dae-Yeul YU
;
Hye Jin CHOI
Author Information
1. Department of Radiology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Yonsei Medical Journal
2021;62(7):622-630
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Purpose:Expression of organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATPs) 1B1/1B3 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) induces a paradoxical enhancement of gadoxetic acid on liver magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We examined the expression profile of OATPs with regard to tumor differentiation in a genetically modified H-Ras 12V mouse model of spontaneous HCC that undergoes multistep hepatocarcinogenesis with minimal inter-individual variation.
Materials and Methods:Tumor nodules were harvested from transgenic H-Ras 12V mice. Hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides were examined for tumor differentiation and high-grade pathological components (tumor necrosis, thickened trabeculae, or vascular invasion). Immunohistochemistry of OATP 1B1/1B3 was performed, and OATP expression was assessed.
Results:We examined well-differentiated HCCs (n=59) in which high-grade pathological components were absent (n=49) or present (n=10). Among the well-differentiated HCCs without high-grade pathological components (n=49), OATP expression was negative, weak positive, and moderate positive in 23, 17, and nine cases, respectively. Among the well-differentiated HCCs with highgrade pathological components (n=10), OATP expression was negative, weak positive, and moderate positive in one, two, and seven cases, respectively. The ratio of positive OATP 1B1/1B3 expressing tumors was higher in HCCs with high-grade pathological components than in those without high-grade pathological components (p=0.004).
Conclusion:Our findings support those of previous clinical studies that have reported the frequent appearance of gadoxetic acidenhanced MRI in moderately differentiated HCC.
