IMMUNOGENETIC CONTROL OF BRAIN TUMOR-GROWTH IN RATS

Abstract

The susceptibility to intracerebral and subcutaneous growth of a transplantable gliosarcoma in genetically inbred rats correlated with histocompatibility type. The genetic control of tumor growth was tested in a cross between a tumor susceptible strain (F344, Ag-B1) and a tumor resistant strain (YO, Ag-B2). Susceptibility was transmitted as a dominant trait, and at least 2 genes or gene complexes were involved: 1 was linked to the major histocompatibility complex and 1 segregated independently of it. The genetic mechanisms did not appear to be affected significantly by the site (environment) in which the tumor grew. Antibodies to Ag-B1 histocompatibility antigens, which were those of the strain in which the tumor originated (F344), and tumor associated antigens were present in animals in which the tumor regressed. Only tumor specific antibodies appeared in the sera of Ag-B1 animals that had the tumor. A cytotoxic lymphokine was present in the sera of tumor bearing animals, but its level did not correlate with tumor growth or regression.