Formation of metastasis by human breast carcinoma cells (MCF-7) in nude mice.
MCF-7 cells, a human breast carcinoma line, forms tumors when injected into athymic nude mice. These tumors are able to metastasize to lungs, liver and spleen. 17 beta-estradiol treatment increases both the growth rate and frequency of metastases. Castration or diabetes prevents metastasis formation, but treatment with estrogen or insulin restores the metastasizing capacity. MCF-7 cells secrete into the culture media collagenases able to lyse types I and IV collagens. Estrogen or insulin addition to the culture enhances collagenase production. Attention is called to the coexistence of enhancement in collagenase production and metastasis formation.
D000818:Animals; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000201:enzymology / Q000473:pathology*; D002369:Castration; D002460:Cell Line; D003921:Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental / Q000150:complications; D004958:Estradiol / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000494:pharmacology; D051379:Mice; D008819:Mice, Nude; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D009374:Neoplasms, Experimental / Q000473:pathology; D013311:Streptozocin
D007328:Insulin; D004958:Estradiol; D013311:Streptozocin