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Free Tumor Cell Growth in the Serous Fluid of an Experimental Subcutaneous Cavity in the Mouse^*

( Departments of Experimental Oncology and Surgery, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee)

Inoculation of 10⁷ Krebs-2 ascitic cells into a subcutaneous cavity of the scalp (ES-cavity) induced by injection of cottonseed oil (1.0 ml.) repeatedly resulted, after absorption or withdrawal of the bulk of oil, in formation of a cavitary wall consisting of fascia and other connective tissue elements, tumor cells, and their implants. Exudation of abundant serous fluid into this cavity was associated with free growth of numerous, often mitotic tumor cells, which multiplied indefinitely unless the cavity was overgrown with solid implants (in about 5 per cent of animals). These cells were indistinguishable from ascitic cells, and their transfer into the peritoneal cavity of new mice initiated ascites tumor. Other oils also induced cavities, but their residue was detrimental to tumor cell viability either occasionally (olive oil) or consistently (mineral oil). Necrosis was sometimes prevented by the addition of acriflavine in the ratio 1:4000 to the oil. Suspension of tumor tissue cells from ground subcutaneous implants initiated only solid implants in ES-cavity. It was concluded that the phenomenon of free tumor cell growth in experimental cavities of subcutaneous tissue may provide an additional tool for the study of free tumor cell pathology.

^* Supported by grants No. 466 from the Damon Runyon Foundation, No. C2080 from the National Cancer Institute, and No. AT-(40-1)-1993 from Div. Biol. & Med., USAEC.

Received 3/ 3/61.