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Host Factors Influencing the Behavior of Subcutaneous Sarcomas Induced by 3,4,9,10-Dibenzpyrene in C57BL/6 Mice^*

F. Homburger, A. Treger and J. R. Baker

( Bio-Research Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts)

Rate of formation and behavior of subcutaneous fibrosarcomas induced in C57BL/6 mice by means of single hypodermic injections of 500 µg. of 3,4,9,10-dibenzpyrene in peanut oil are reproducible and predictable. Except immediately following injection, when some leakage may occur from the injection site, no metabolites of the carcinogen were detected in urine and feces. The rate of tumor formation was lower in females than in males, but it was independent of body weight at the time of carcinogen injection, subsequent growth rate, and (in males only) of the age at the time of injection. All tumors formed were transplantable fibrosarcomas, containing traces of carcinogen as far as the third transplant generation. The growth rates of the established tumors (1 cm. in diameter) were constant for about 2 weeks, but varied considerably thereafter. Caloric restriction severe enough to prevent significant weight gains during the induction period prolonged latent times significantly throughout the period of tumor development. Severe caloric restriction maintained for 7–23 days and resulting in marked weight losses was without effect on the growth rate of induced tumors measuring 1 cm. in diameter. However, the survival time of animals thus treated was significantly prolonged.

^* This work was supported in part by Grant No. CA-04869-03A1 from the National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Public Health Service; by grants from the Tobacco Industry Research Committee; and by a contribution from the Virginia and D. K. Ludwig Foundation.

The authors wish to acknowledge the cooperation of Dr. Agnes B. Russfield and her valuable contribution to the study of the histopathology of these tumors. The technical assistance of R. Kenney, H. Rys, C. M. Crooker, and Maureen F. O'Connell is also gratefully acknowledged.

Received 4/24/63.