A human lung cancer xenograft producing granulocyte-colony stimulating factor and parathyroid hormone-related protein.

A human lung cancer xenograft, LC-GP, producing granulocyte-colony stimulating factor and parathyroid hormone-related protein was established by transplantation into severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice. The lung cancer patient and SCID mice bearing LC-GP showed leukocytosis and hypercalcemia. G-CSF and PTHrP gene expression were demonstrated in the primary lung cancer, metastatic lesions and LC-GP xenograft. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the presence of G-CSF protein in LC-GP xenograft cells. LC-GP possessed activated c-Ki-ras oncogene (point mutation at codon 12). This LC-GP lacked apparent G-CSF receptor expression. The expression of G-CSF and PTHrP may be coregulated by the activated c-Ki-ras oncogene, and autocrine stimulation of G-CSF is unlikely.