Internalization of carbon nanoparticles: effect on tumor development and angiogenesis in vivo

• Grant number: 14/22762-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: December 01, 2014
• End date: November 30, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Immunology - Cellular Immunology
• Principal Investigator: Elaine Conceicao de Oliveira
• Grantee: Aléxia de Oliveira Roque
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biologia (IB). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Approximately one decade, carbon nanoparticles have been contemplated as a new proposal for the treatment of various pathological conditions, including cancer. This potential is based mainly on the capability of these nanoparticles to cross the membrane of live cells, and thus can act as an important carrier for drugs to the tumor site while reducing their side effects. Carbon nanotubes multi-walled (CNTs) exhibit high strength, small size and large surface area, enabling its connection with different types of molecules. The Lewis Lung Carcinoma (3LL) tumor is a commonly used model for studies of metastasis and angiogenesis. Thus, for this study will verify if this potential is increased due to 3LL internalize the CNTs. For this reason, the 3LL cells are incubated for 24 hours with CNTs stained with PKH26. The PKH26-positive cells (red) will be separated by flow cytometry. For tumor induction, animals (C57BL / 6) receive injection in the back of cells that internalized the CNTs, and the control group named, will receive only the 3LL. The two groups are evaluated for speed of tumor growth and immunological parameters. The volume of the tumor mass is determined with a digital caliper for 15 days after the appearance of the tumor. After this period the animals will be euthanized and quantify, by flow cytometry, cells expressing CD34 + receptor in spleen, lymph node and tumor mass. Quantify also by RT-PCR for expression of genes VEGF, TGF², IL10, TNF ±, osteopontin is gone. Histological evaluation will allow us to know the pattern of cellular infiltrate this tumor compared to the control group.