Studies on AK-5 tumor: further characterization of rat histiocytoma

Properties of a transplantable rat histiocytoma which behaves like a macrophage-like cell, have been described. The AK-5 grows as ascites as well as solid subcutaneous tumor. The ascites from one animal can give between 10(8) and 10(9) cells whereas the subcutaneous tumor grows between 20 and 40 cm3 size. These cells possess various degradative enzymes, macrophage markers and glucocorticoid receptors. Beside histopathology the surface topography and ultrastructure of these cells are described.