Mechanism of Immune Lysis of Ehrlich Ascites Tumor Cells

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Abstract
Mice bearing Ehrlich ascites tumor were treated with immune gamma globulin and guinea pig complement on the 4th, 5th, and 6th days after tumor transplantation. Tumor growth was inhibited as a result of the cyto-toxic action of antibody and complement. Lysis was observed in approximately 70% of the tumor cells, which were also conspicuously enlarged and swollen. These cells revealed the space between the nucleus and the cell membrane to be widened, but empty of basophilic material (RNA), which apparently had permeated the cell membrane, and was observed attached to the outside of the cell, appearing as a fringe of darkly staining basophilic material. This same pattern was observed when the cells were stained for protein. Fluorescent staining with labeled immune gamma globulin revealed fluorescence at the site of the cell membrane, suggesting antigen-antibody reaction at the cell surface.