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Mast Cells and Sarcoma Growth in the Rat^*

( Department of Radiology, University of California School of Medicine, San Francisco, Calif.)

Earlier studies have demonstrated that tumor growth is accompanied by a change in the I¹³¹ distribution in the host. The agent responsible has been found to be a polypeptide present in tumor. Administration of tumor polypeptide to normal rats results in a significant reduction in the number of mast cells in mesentery spreads. The disruptive action upon the mast cells was observed with amounts of tumor polypeptide that elicit the iodide trapping syndrome.

Rats bearing subcutaneous tumors had fewer intact mesenteric mast cells and more which were fragmented. This occurred during the period of tumor growth in which widespread changes in the I¹³¹ distribution were shown to take place.

The disruption of mast cells prior to tumor implantation with distilled water or tumor polypeptide, or 5-HT depletion with reserpine, decreased tumor growth and/or the percentage of takes. The disruption of mast cells prior to and following tumor implantation increased tumor growth. The administration of 5-HT and/or histamine to rats also increased tumor growth.

^* This work was supported by a grant from the Henry, Laura, and Irene B. Dernham Fund of the American Cancer Society, California Division, and by Cancer Research Funds of the University of California.

Received 3/27/58.