Establishment of a novel specific ELISA system for rat N- and C-ERC/mesothelin. Rat ERC/mesothelin in the body fluids of mice bearing mesothelioma

Abstract

Mesothelioma is a type of malignant tumor that most commonly arises from the pleural or peritoneal membrane and is usually associated with previous exposure to asbestos. In humans, ERC/mesothelin is expressed on the normal mesothelium and in some cancers such as mesothelioma or ovarian carcinoma. Recently, several enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) systems for ERC/mesothelin have been developed, the reported usefulness of which has been assessed and demonstrated as a diagnostic tool. However, the basic roles or physiological functions of, and relationship between, ERC/mesothelin and asbestos exposure–mediated carcinogenesis remain to be resolved. In order to elucidate the precise mechanism, animal models of mesothelioma are desperately needed. In this study, we consider the development of a novel specific ELISA system for not only rat N‐ERC/mesothelin but also C‐ERC/mesothelin, and the first data on the presence of rat ERC/mesothelin in the body fluids of rat malignant mesothelioma–bearing nude mice. The transplanted mice have revealed the higher concentrations of rat N‐ERC/mesothelin in the blood and ascites than C‐ERC/mesothelin. We hope these novel ELISA systems are useful in the rat model system to clarify the mechanism of asbestos‐induced carcinogenesis and to develop new effective drugs for mesothelioma. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 666–670)