COMPARISON OF MODE OF IMMUNOPOTENTIATING ACTION OF BCG AND WAX-D .2. EFFECT ON METHYLCHOLANTHRENE CARCINOGENESIS

  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 47  (6) , 435-440
Abstract
The effects of BCG and wax D [Mycobacterium tuberculosis] on methylcholanthrene (MCA) carcinogenesis in mice were studied. BCG given 8 wk after MCA administration conferred a significant protection against carcinogenesis. When given either on the same day as MCA injection or 4 wk after MCA, BCG slightly increased tumor incidence. Wax D provided a marked protection against tumor development when given 4 wk after MCA. An enhanced tumor development was obtained when wax D was administered either on the day of MCA injection or 8 wk after MCA. The effects of BCG and wax D on MCA carcinogenesis apparently varied with the timing of administration. When BCG and wax D increased the level of delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) at the initiating time of tumor development, a protection against carcinogenesis was obtained. BCG and wax D enhanced tumor development, when it increased antibody formation at the time of initiation of tumor development.