An Animal Model of Oral Mucositis Induced by Conditioning Regimen

Methods: In the model group, Busulfan (6.0 mg•kg-1•d-1×4 d) and Cyclophosphamide (120 mg•kg-1•d-1×2 d) were administered by intrastomach perfusion and intraperitoneal injection, respectively. The left cheek mucosas were irritated by superficial scratching on day 6. The Oral Mucosal Score (OMs) was assessed daily. Animals were sacrificed on day 7, 10, 13, 16 and 18. The samples of blood, bone marrow, and the oral mucosa were harvest to evaluate the clinical and histological changes.

Results: The incidence of oral mucositis in model group was as high as 80.00% with a survival rate by 73.33%. The initial lesion on the oral mucosa was noted on day 7 with red spot and edema, and then progressive mucositis was characterized by large areas of ulcer formation. The duration of OM was 8 to 10 days. A continuous weight loss, white blood cell count decrease and bone marrow suppression were occurred in the process of oral mucositis.

Conclusion: We successfully established an animal model of conditioning regimen-induced oral mucositis. This model will benefit for further study of oral mucositis.