Transplantable Mastocytoma in the Mouse Containing Histamine, Heparin, 5-Hydroxytryptamine.

Abstract

A benign tumor composed of mast cells was found in a 500-day-old mouse that had been irradiated at approximately 7 weeks of age with 475 r. The tumor proved transplantable into all mice of the strain of origin. It became palpable after 4 months, and in 7 - 10 months after transplantation it weighed 8 to 10 g. The grafted tumors are a "pure culture" of normal appearing mast cells. The histamine content ranged from 0.85 mg/g tumor to 4.2 mg/g with a mean value of 2.89 mg/g. The heparin content ranged from 247 IU/g tumor to 1540 with a mean value of 598 IU/g. Two determinations for 5-Hydroxytryptamine were 8 and 140 mg/g tumor, respectively. The histamine and heparin contents of this tumor are greater than those previously described by others. The animals had no ill effects from the tremendous quantities of these substances contained in the tumors.