Influence of cancer chemotherapy treatment on the reticuloendothelial system in the rat

The phagocytic function of the reticuloendothelial system (RES) in the rat has been studied after the administration of cyclophosphamide, 5-fluorouracil or a combination of these drugs and vincristine. No impairment in the elimination of 125I-labelled microaggregated human serum albumin was found. A significant reduction in relative and total spleen weight was not paralleled by a decreased splenic uptake of the RES test substance per gram tissue. A significant increase in the relative weight of the lungs was paralleled by a significant increase in the uptake of test substance on a per gram basis. No correr. A general reduction in the cell population of the haematopoietic system has to be assumed. If this reduction is more pronounced in subpopulations of T lymphocytes (suppressor T cells) has to be further tested.