Preparation of "tissue-isolated" rat tumors for perfusion: a new surgical technique that preserves continuous blood flow.

A surgical technique for preparing "tissue-isolated" rat tumors for perfusion was developed that ensures continuous blood flow to the tissue. The tumor may be perfused in situ or ex vivo. Tumor venous blood flow, tumor glucose and lactic acid metabolism, as well as host animal respiration and core temperature, were unchanged during the procedure. Following addition of 14C-D-Glucose to the tumor afferent blood, all radioactivity appeared in the tumor venous blood. None appeared in the host systemic blood, indicating complete separation of tumor and host vasculature during in situ perfusion.