Induction of Neoplasms in Germfree Rodents by 3-Methylcholanthrene2

Abstract

Localized neoplasms were induced in two strains of germfree rats and in four strains of germfree mice by subcutaneous inoculation of sterile 3-methylcholanthrene in oil. The types, locations, and latent periods of the tumors in germfree animals were similar to those induced by the same agent in conventional control animals. Fragments of germfree fibrosarcomas were transplanted to germfree mice and rats of the same genetic strains. The germfree mice had no antibodies to polyoma virus, K virus, mouse adenovirus, and mouse hepatitis virus, and showed no immunity or tolerance to vaccinia or lymphocytic choriomeningitis viruses. Tissue cultures of whole fetuses and kidney tissues from the germfree mice and rats showed no cytopathic effects.