title: MTP-PE: induction of tumoricidal leukocytes in the lungs of rats.
abstract: Buffer solubilized MTP-PE binds very quickly (within 10 min) to rat alveolar macrophages in vitro and activates them to the tumoricidal state. In vivo, the alveolar macrophages become tumoricidal after intratracheal instillation of MTP-PE. Intranasal application of a relatively large volume (300 microliter) gives the same result, because MTP-PE is then aspirated into the lungs. A wide dose range (1-10,000 micrograms/kg) is effective. Immediately after application of MTP-PE, activated macrophages can be washed out of the lungs. Between 8 and 48 hr after application many tumoricidal neutrophils are also found. Although the tumoricidal activity decreases with time, it can still be demonstrated 8 days after application. Intravenous injection is also effective, but only at 10(3)-fold higher doses. Inhalation of MTP-PE might be of therapeutical value in the treatment of cancer, particularly in the lungs.
authors.affiliation: Research Department, Ciba-Geigy Limited, Basel, Switzerland.
authors.forename: A F
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Brownbill
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Schumann
mesh_terms: D000119:Acetylmuramyl-Alanyl-Isoglutamine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology; D000281:Administration, Intranasal; D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology; D008264:Macrophages / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D008325:Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D010714:Phosphatidylethanolamines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011650:Pulmonary Alveoli / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects; D051381:Rats; D011916:Rats, Inbred F344; D012995:Solubility; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D010714:Phosphatidylethanolamines; C037144:mifamurtide; D000119:Acetylmuramyl-Alanyl-Isoglutamine