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Effects of Bombesin on Growth of Human Small Cell Lung Carcinoma in Vivo¹

Department of Surgery [R. W. A., J. R. U., G. J. P., C. M. T., J. C. T.] and Department of Internal Medicine [V. G.], The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77550

Bombesin-like peptides are found in many different human tumors and are thought to function as an autocrine growth factor for small cell lung cancer in humans. In this study, a human small cell lung carcinoma (NCI-H69) was s.c. implanted bilaterally into the flanks of 12 nude mice. The mice were randomized and divided into two groups and given either bombesin (20 µg/kg) or saline i.p. 3 times a day. Tumor areas were measured twice weekly for 6 wk. At sacrifice, the tumors and normal pancreas were excised, weighed, and assayed for DNA, RNA, and protein content. Significant stimulation of tumor growth was observed at weeks 4, 5, and 6. Tumor weight at sacrifice was significantly elevated (77%) above the control, as was DNA content (78%). Bombesin significantly increased the weight (42%), DNA (48%), and protein (61%) contents of the normal mouse pancreas. We conclude that bombesin may act as an autocrine growth factor, or indirectly through the release of other growth factors, on human small cell lung carcinoma.

¹ Supported by grants from NIH (RO1 DK 15241, PO1 DK 35608, and RCDA CA 00854), from the American Cancer Society (PDT-220), and from the National Cancer Institute (CA 17701).

² Visiting Scientist from the Department of Surgery, Royal Postgraduate Medical School, University of London, London, United Kingdom. Supported by the Wellcome Foundation, Ethicon Foundation, and British Digestive Foundation.

³ To whom requests for reprints should be addressed.

Received 8/31/87. Revised 11/30/87. Accepted 12/11/87.

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