ABSTRACT
A good similarity in hormone levels obviously determines the validity of the nude mouse as a model for studies on the hormonal control of hormone-dependent growth in human tumor xenografts. Generally, the transplantability of human endocrine tumors is limited. Hormone-independent cells neither die nor slow down their continuous growth following hormone ablation; that is, the growth of such cells is completely autonomous. Hormone receptors are specific proteins found in hormone target tissues. The interaction of a hormone with its receptor is an early event for the initiation of hormonal responses. Competitive endocrine treatment utilizes agents that bind to hormone receptors, thereby blocking the biological activity of the native hormone. Pharmacological monitoring of endocrine treatment in nude mice is necessary to document the serum concentrations required, rather than to assume that levels are equivalent to those reported in man.
