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Tumor-induced anorexia in the Wistar rat
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|July 31, 1981
Summary
Leydig cell tumors in Wistar rats induced weight loss and reduced food intake. Tumor removal reversed these effects, suggesting a circulating substance mediates the tumor-induced anorexia.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
- Physiology
Background:
- Leydig cell tumors are a type of testicular cancer.
- Tumors can secrete hormones and other substances that affect host physiology.
- The specific effects of transplantable Leydig cell tumors on host appetite and weight are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of a transplantable Leydig cell tumor (LTW(m)) on food consumption and body weight in Wistar rats.
- To determine if tumor removal could reverse these effects.
- To explore the role of a potential circulating substance in mediating tumor-induced anorexia.
Main Methods:
- Implantation of LTW(m) Leydig cell tumor into Wistar rats.
- Monitoring food consumption and body weight.
- Surgical removal of tumors and subsequent monitoring.
- Reimplantation of tumors to observe recurrence of effects.
- Parabiosis experiments to assess the role of circulating factors.
Main Results:
- LTW(m) tumors caused significant decreases in food consumption and body weight within two weeks.
- Tumor removal led to rapid and sustained increases in food intake and body weight.
- Reimplantation of tumors reinduced anorexia.
- Rats in parabiosis with tumor-bearing rats exhibited reduced weight gain, indicating a systemic effect.
Conclusions:
- The LTW(m) Leydig cell tumor induces anorexia and weight loss in Wistar rats.
- These effects are reversible upon tumor removal.
- A circulating substance likely mediates the tumor-induced anorexia, as suggested by parabiosis experiments.