Inverse correlation between tumor incidence and tissue histamine levels in W/WV, WV/+, and +/+ mice.
The influence of mast cells on tumor incidence and growth rate was studied in 2 grafted tumor models (fibrosarcoma MC-B6-1 and the Lewis lung carcinoma 3LL). Three kinds of WBB6F1 mice (a cross between WB/ReJ-W/+ and C57BL/6J-WV/+ mice) were used: W/WV (deeply mast cell depleted), WV/+ (partially mast cell depleted), and +/+ (normal mast cell number). The presumed resistance of F1 hybrids to tumor cells of parental origin was observed in 12 of 13 +/+ mice, but only in 11 of 22 WV/+ mice and in none of 39 W/WV mice. Tumor incidence and metastasis incidence were inversely correlated with tissue histamine levels and mast cell number. Growth rates of tumors were similar in W/WV and WV/+ mice, but the tumor growth rate was much slower in the only +/+ mouse in which the tumor grew. These results confirm the protective role of mast cells against tumors.
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D005354:Fibrosarcoma / Q000032:analysis / Q000473:pathology; D006632:Histamine / Q000032:analysis*; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D009374:Neoplasms, Experimental / Q000209:etiology*
D006632:Histamine