Development of Plasma-Cell Neoplasms in BALB/c Mice After Intraperitoneal Injection of Paraffin-Oil Adjuvant, Heat-Killed Staphylococcus Mixtures

Abstract

Plasma-cell neoplasms developed in 7 of 64 mice inoculated intraperitoneally with an emulsion of incomplete Freund's adjuvant and heat-killed staphylococci. Thirty-two mice received only the injection; 4 plasma-cell neoplasms developed in this group. The remaining 32 mice received in addition to the injection a series of skin paintings with methylcholanthrene; 3 plasma-cell neoplasms developed in this group. All the other methylcholanthrene-painted mice developed carcinomas of the skin. Four of the 7 plasma-cell neoplasms were successfully transplanted. Mice with transplants developed serum myeloma globulins similar to those found in the original mouse. The role of the paraffin-oil staphylococcal emulsion in the production of the plasma-cell neoplasms was not definitely established. This point is briefly discussed.