Chronic neural activity recorded within breast tumors

Sci Rep. 2020 Sep 9;10(1):14824. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-71670-y.

Abstract

Nerve fibers are known to reside within malignant tumors and the greater the neuronal density the worse prognosis for the patient. Recent discoveries using tumor bearing animal models have eluded to the autonomic nervous system having a direct effect on tumor growth and metastasis. We report the first direct and chronic in vivo measurements of neural activity within tumors. Using a triple-negative mammary cancer mouse model and chronic neural interface techniques, we have recorded neural activity directly within the tumor mass while the tumor grows and metastasizes. The results indicate that there is a strong connection between the autonomic nervous system and the tumor and could help uncover the mechanisms of tumor growth and metastasis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Female
  • Mammary Glands, Animal / innervation*
  • Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental / pathology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms / pathology*