Effect of generalized graft-versus-host-reaction on B- and T-lymphocytes and a benzpyrene-induced murine sarcoma

The investigations of 400 adult hybrids from A/Jax fem. BALB/c male were aimed at answering the following questions: 1. What is the influence of a generalized graft-versus-host-reaction (GVHR) on the induction and growth of benzpyren-induced sarcoma? 2. What is the behavior of B- and T-lymphocytes during GVHR, and during induction and growth of benzpyren-induced sarcoma? 3. Which are the deductions to be drawn with regard to the effect of B- and T-lymphocytes during tumorigenesis and tumor growth?

1. The number of tumors was significantly greater in the GVHR animals (74.5%) than in the controls (49.5%). 2. A significant decrease of T-lymphocytes and increase of B-lymphocytes during GVHR were found in the peripheral blood. 3. The examination of the tumor marginal zone showed a marked decrease of the total round cell count and the T cells, while the count of B-lymphocytes remained uninfluenced. These results are discussed and compared with results of other authors.