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Abstract
The rabbit VX2 tumor when implanted in the liver has proven convenient as a model
for studying hepatocellular carcinomas. However, its metabolic properties have not
been well studied. Significantly, studies described here show that the VX2 tumor exhibits
a high glycolytic/high hexokinase phenotype that is retained following implantation
and growth in rabbit liver. In addition, results of a limited screen show that the
glycolytic rate is inhibited best by 2-deoxyglucose (2DOG) and 3-bromopyruvate (3BrPA),
the former compound of which is phosphorylated by hexokinase but not further metabolized,
while the latter directly inhibits hexokinase. Finally, when tested on hepatoma cells
in culture both inhibitors facilitated cell death. These studies underscore the usefulness
of the VX2 tumor model for the study of advanced liver cancer and for selecting anti-hepatoma
agents.