[Surface morphologic changes of thymocytes in Ehrlich ascitic carcinoma-bearing mice]

The surface morphologic changes of thymocytes in Ehrlich ascitic carcinoma (EAC)-bearing mice were studied by scanning electronmicroscope. The changes were: marked atrophy of the thymus; rapid loss of surface microvilli; formation of the blebs of various sizes; roughening of cell surface and some twisty cells on day 10 after intraperitoneal injection of EAC (4 X 10(6) cell/mouse). These changes show that the early degeneration of the thymocytes takes place during the EAC development. The significance is discussed in detail.