Concerning cellular defense in carcinoma of the larynx

In the search of microscopic manifestations of cellular defense in tumor disease, larynx specimens removed surgically for carcinoma of the larynx and neighboring lymph nodes were studied morphologically. Blastic transformation of lymphocytes from the lymph nodes was also investigated. Activity of nuclear chromatin of these cells was assessed on the basis of its sensitivity to acid hydrolysis in the reaction of Feulgen and incorporation of labeled 3H-actinomycin D. The results indicate existence of cellular defense reaction in carcinoma of the larynx, around the primary tumor as well as in neighboring lymph nodes. Intensity of the reaction in lymph nodes increases with growth of the primary tumor.