Abstract: To evaluate the effects of CO₂ pneumoperitoneum on the growth and metastasis of the human ovarian carcinoma cell line SKOV3 in animal models. MethodsFirst, the SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells were exposed to CO₂insufflation at different carbon dioxide pressures (8mmHg, 10mmHg and 12mmHg) and effect times (1h, 3h). Then, each mouse was inoculated with 0.2mL cell suspension (including 6.0×106 tumor cells). The growth status of the tumor was regularly observed, and the growth curve was recorded. 6 weeks later, all mice were executed by luxation. The mice were immediately anatomized and the volume and weight of tumors were determined. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the expression of PCNA protein and nm23-H1 protein of these cells. Results7 days after hypodermic inoculation, tumor growth occurred in all the groups. The tumor growth was reinforced in the experimental groups compared with those of the control group (P＜0.01). The expression of PCNA protein was higher in experimental groups than that in the control group (P＜0.01). But there was no significant difference between the groups in the expression of nm23H1 protein(P＞0.05). Conclusion Carbon dioxide has auxoaction on the growth of the human ovarian carcinoma cell line SKOV3 xenotransplanted into nude mice, but has no effects on tumor metastasis.

Key words: Ovarian neoplasma, Carbon dioxide, Mice, nude, Xenograft tumor