Immunoblastic Lymphoma, Ileocecal Lymph Nodes, LOU/C Rat

Immunoblastic lymphomas of LOU/C rats arise in the lymph nodes situated in the ileocecal mesentery and are rare in other rat strains. Clinically, these neoplasms can be palpated as solid, mobile masses. Necropsy findings depend on the extent of tumor growth. Initially, only one or more of the ileocecal lymph nodes are enlarged, but in later stages ascites-producing grayish masses with red-brown areas of necrosis may also spread to all abdominal viscera and involve the wall of the cecum (Bazin et al. 1972).