[Action of 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T3) on Walker's 256 carcinosarcoma development]

In order to verify the effects of triiodothyronine (T3) administration in animals bearing Walker tumor, the authors have carried out an experimental study utilizing Wistar rats inoculated with both ascitic and solid Walker tumor, and Balb/c isogenic mice for the study of spreading of macrophages. The animals were treated with T3 20 micrograms/100 g of body weight and the data were analysed by Chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests. The authors conclude that T3 increases significantly the survival of rats bearing Walker tumor, and the spreading of macrophages when inoculated into the peritoneal cavity of mice. The hormone does not alter the weight of tumor mass. These results could be explained by the macrophageal activation and by the synthesis of the tumor necrosis factor.