Studies on the Early Phase of Induced Fibrosarcoma in the Hamster

Abstract

Summary

The subcutaneous injection of 20-methylcholanthrene into hamsters produced fibrosarcomas within 60 to 80 days. Examination of the injection sites, 24 hours following injection, showed fibroblasts which are morphologically different from normal. At first these cells show little active proliferation. The altered fibroblasts form a distinct strain of cells in a nodulus close to the area of injection and it is from these nodules of altered fibroblasts that invasive fibrosarcoma grows. In contrast to the oil solutions of carcinogen used, the saline suspensions produce cell necrosis and giant cell reaction.