TETRACYCLINE FLUORESCENCE IN MOUSE GASTRIC CARCINOMA

Abstract

Tetracycline was administered to a strain of C57BL mouse harboring an experimental and transmissible tumor, gastric adenocarcinoma No. 328. Using fluorescent and phase microscopy, the fluorescence induced by the drug was localized to the cytoplasm of the tumor cells and to the cytoplasm of normal gastric mucosal and liver parenchymal cells. None was observed in the stroma. The fluorescence appeared rapidly but was retained by the tumor and normal cells for only 48 to 72 hours in contrast to the long lasting fluorescence present in bone and teeth, and that observed in some patients with carcinoma.