An Antineoplastic Factor in Spleens of Mice Previously Inoculated with Methylcholanthrene

Abstract

Summary

C3H mice were inoculated subcutaneously with 0.5 mg of 20-methylcholanthrene. At weekly intervals thereafter, spleens were examined from groups of mice for growth effect on methylcholanthrene-induced tumors. By growing spleen and tumor explants in the same tube, a tumor-destructive effect could be demonstrated in spleens for as long as 3 weeks after inoculation. Thereafter, this effect could not be demonstrated with “normal” spleens, nor with the spleens from the mice supplying the tumor tissue. This reaction could not be induced with phenanthrene, 3,4-benzpyrene, 1,2,5,6-dibenzathracene, and the cooking oil in which these compounds were dissolved.