Extremity metabolism in the cachectic, VX-2 carcinoma-bearing rabbit Journal Article


Authors: Conlon, K. C.; Bading, J. R.; McDermott, E. W. M.; Corbally, M. T.; Tolvo, A. J.; Brennan, M. F.
Article Title: Extremity metabolism in the cachectic, VX-2 carcinoma-bearing rabbit
Abstract: The pathophysiology of skeletal muscle loss in cancer cachexia is poorly understood. Immature, male, New Zealand White rabbits (TBs; n = 11) were implanted with VX-2 carcinoma and various indices of systemic and limb metabolism were examined in comparison with pair-fed controls (PFCs; n = 9) and normal controls (NCs; n = 22) fed ad lib. The TBs became hypophagic and experienced reduced growth relative to both control groups (P << 0.001). At 7 weeks (tumor burden 3-6% of body weight; no metastasis) the TBs had the following statistically significant differences from NCs: anemia, neutrophilic granulocytosis and thrombocytosis, hypercalcemia, hypoinsulinemia, elevated plasma triglycerides and altered plasma amino acids, increased hind limb effluxes of lactate and most amino acids. These alterations were not caused by hypophagia, since the PFCs were normal at 7 weeks with regard to all measured parameters except body weight and limb flow, both of which were reduced. The decrease in flow (P < 0.05) apparently contributed to conservation of skeletal muscle amino acids in the PFCs. Young New Zealand White rabbits implanted with VX-2 carcinoma manifest tumor burden, wasting, and metabolic alterations qualitatively similar to those seen with many human cancers. © 1993 Academic Press, Inc.
Journal Title: Journal of Surgical Research
Volume: 55
Issue: 3
ISSN: 0022-4804
Publisher: Academic Press Inc., Elsevier Science  
Date Published: 1993-09-01
Start Page: 330
End Page: 337
Language: English
DOI: 10.1006/jsre.1993.1150
PROVIDER: scopus
PUBMED: 8412119
DOI/URL:
Notes: Source: Scopus
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  1. Murray F Brennan
    1059 Brennan
  2. Kevin C Conlon
    120 Conlon
  3. James Bading
    17 Bading