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Effect of Tumors on the Concentration of Leucogenenol in the Serum of Mice¹

Departments of Chemistry [F. A. H. R., C. O., J. D. M.] and Biology [J. R. H., E. J. B.], The American University, Washington, D. C. 20016

It was found that inoculation of several strains of mice with several types of tumor cells resulted, within 24 hr, in a significant decrease in the serum leucogenenol levels of the mice. Serum leucogenenol levels of the mice inoculated with tumors that are rejected become normal or temporarily above normal at approximately the time the tumor is observed to be rejected. Contrariwise, serum leucogenenol levels of mice inoculated with tumors that are not rejected remain at significantly lower than normal levels during the life of the mice. Unlike tumors, skin allografts increase serum leucogenenol levels.

When tumors are rejected because of the previous immunization of the mice, serum leucogenenol levels become normal at approximately the time the tumor is observed to be rejected.

Excision of the tumor after 1 week of growth, with the consequent recovery of the mice, is accompanied by a recovery of normal serum leucogenenol levels.

Also, it was found that injection of mice with a cell-free 0.9% NaCl solution extract of a tumor results in a temporary decrease in serum leucogenenol levels comparable to that observed with the inoculation of a viable tumor which lasts from 24 to 96 hr.

It is suggested that the suppression of serum leucogenenol levels is one of the factors responsible for the immunosuppression associated with a growing tumor.

¹ Supported in part by grants from the National Cancer Institute (CA 05660) and the National Foundation for Cancer Research.

² To whom requests for reprints should be addressed.

Received 10/30/80. Accepted 9/14/81.