IMMUNOGENETIC AND IMMUNOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF GLIOSARCOMA GROWTH IN RATS

Abstract

Growth of the chemically induced, transplantable rat brain tumor gliosarcoma 9L (GS-9L) is under immunogenetic control. Both susceptible and resistant rats produce an immune response to the tumor, but the response is qualitatively different in the 2 groups. The i.p. administration of gliosarcoma-9L cells in resistant KGH rats causes the production of cytotoxic lymphocytes and macrophages, and in susceptible F344 rats suppressor lymphocytes are produced. After gliosarcoma-9L cells were administered to (KGH .times. F344)F1 and backcross rats, tumor susceptibility or resistance and the nature of the immune response correlated well with the histocompatibility type, indicating the parallel genetic control of both traits. A 2nd gene or gene complex, not linked to the major histocompatibility complex, may participate in the regulation of tumor growth.