2.10. In vivo xenograft tumour model

Six‐week‐old nu/nu male mice were inoculated subcutaneously with empty vector or TSP‐1 overexpressing stable transfectant AtT20 cells (5×10⁵ cells per mouse).The mice were killed 21 days after tumour cell implantation. The tumours (n = 3 per group) were harvested and photographed. The length (L) and width (W) of the tumours were measured with a digital calliper. The tumour volume (V) was calculated using the formula V = (L × W^2)/2). Tissues samples and blood samples were collected on the day of killing and embedded for histological examination and ELISA assay. Ki‐67 expression in tumour sections was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining. All of the animal procedures were conducted in accordance with the Guide for The Care and Use of Laboratory Animals published by the National Institutes of Health.