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Biochemical Changes in the Connective Tissue Pocket Surrounding Subcutaneously Imbedded Films¹

Department of Biochemistry, New York Medical College, and Institute of Cancer Research, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York 10029

When films of plastics or metals are imbedded s.c. in rodents, the material becomes enveloped by a connective tissue pocket wherein tumors may eventually appear. Biochemical studies were made on this tissue at different intervals after imbedding. These included assays for lactate, malate, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities; determinations of DNA; and analyses for soluble and insoluble collagen.

It was found that the activities of the 3 enzymes were highest at one month after imbedding and then decreased markedly. On the other hand, the nucleic acid concentration either remained constant or decreased to a small extent. The soluble collagen was elevated at the early stages and decreased to a significant degree, while the insoluble collagen increased with time until a maximum was reached. Subsequently, the latter either remained constant or decreased slightly.

The possible relationship of these changes with the ultimate appearance of tumors is discussed.

¹ This research was supported by Grant CA-01620 (14–15) from the National Cancer Institute, USPHS.

² Deceased March 18, 1966.

Received 2/25/66. Accepted 12/19/66.