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Effect of Low Molecular Weight Dextran on Hepatic Metastases in the Rabbit¹

Departments of Surgery and Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213

The administration of low molecular weight dextran resulted in an increase in hepatic metastases in rabbits receiving intraportal inoculations of V2 carcinoma cells. This effect is similar to that observed previously in our laboratory following intraportal injection of Walker tumor cells in the rat. Although the mechanism whereby dextran produces such an effect on tumor growth is unclear, the findings do not appear to be related to an anaphylactoid reaction due to dextran. They further emphasize the importance of local ("soil") factors in metastasis formation since the effect observed on hepatic metastases apparently differs from that purported to occur in the lung. The increase in hepatic metastases in two species following dextran administration provokes caution concerning its use in patients undergoing surgery for neoplastic disease.

¹ Aided by USPHS Grants CA-05716, CA-06949, CA-10663, and American Cancer Society Grant P-142.

Received 12/ 5/67. Accepted 4/21/68.