Erythrokinetics in mice bearing tumours in either preirradiated or unirradiated tissue

Experiments were designed to clarify the causes of anaemia in hosts bearing tumours in either unirradiated or preirradiated tissue. Isotopic methods are described which enable the estimation of erythrocyte destruction and production rates, and the potential red cell life spans in tumour-bearing animals. In this experimental system, anaemia (a) is in large part due to accelerated random erythrocyte loss, (b) is exacerbated as tumours grow by a progressive reduction in the potential erythrocyte life span due to intrinsic erythrocyte defects, (c) is accompanied by an increase in erythrocyte production of six- to ten-fold and (d) is postponed in onset and decreased in magnitude by preirradiation of the tumour transplant site.