Effect of Heavy Water (deuterium oxide) on Viability of Mouse Sarcoma and Melanoma

Abstract

Since the discovery of the isotope of hydrogen 1 much interest has developed concerning biological properties of heavy water. Lewis 2 found that heavy water (99% H 2 ₂O) completely inhibited the germination of tobacco seeds. Taylor, Swingle, Eyring, and Frost 3 showed that tadpoles of the green frog, Rana clamitans, died within one hour after being placed in the heavy water (92% H 2 ₂O). Macht and Davis 4 obtained a slight inhibiting effect on germination of Lupinus seeds with less concentrated heavy water (0.05% H 2 ₂O). On the other hand, Barnes 5 , 6 has noted a stimulating effect of heavy water (0.05% H 2 ₂O) on Spirogyra.

It is known that neoplasms are generally more sensitive to deleterious agents than are normal tissues. Since normal tissues are killed by water containing deuterium in high concentrations, and biological effects are alleged for concentrations of heavy water as low as 0.05%, the question at once arises of what will be the effect of heavy water upon tumor tissues. This can be determined readily by exposing tumor fragments to the heavy water, and subsequently transplanting into host animals.

Two concentrations of heavy water were used—14.8 and 40%. These were samples used by La Mer, Eichelberger, and Urey 7 in their freezing point determinations. Before each experiment, the water was purified by repeated distillation from potassium permanganate. Since it was distilled very slowly, it was probably saturated with air from the condenser.

The tumors used were the mouse sarcoma 180, and the Passey mouse melanoma. Aseptic precautions were taken in all experiments.