[Implantation of Rous sarcoma virus transformed cells in the hamster: effect of various parameters]

The effect of inoculation of allogeneic hamster cells transformed by Rous sarcoma virus on tumour growth, in the hamster is described. Inoculation of low doses (10(2)-10(4)) of live cells was followed by the apparition and the growth of sub-cutaneous sarcomas. Repeated injections of irradiated or glutaraldehyde-treated cells which induce immune reactions led only to partial protection since they did not totally prevent tumour growth, after challenge with strong doses (5 X 10(4)) of live transformed cells. Inoculation route did not influence tumour growth, whatever the nature of injected cells. The interest of using irradiated or glutaraldehyde-treated transformed cells in tumour immunity should be emphasised.