Ovarian localization by embryonal teratocarcinoma cells derived from female germ gells.

Embryonal carcinoma cells derived from several different spontaneous ovarian teratocarcinomas of strain LT mice form tumors that are located exclusively, in many cases, in the ovaries of female mice. Embryonal cells previously unselected for site specificity localize in the ovaries regardless of route of entry of the cells, and produce very few tumors in males following intraperitoneal injections. The ovary tumors have been verified as originating from the injected cells by chromosomal and drug resistance markers, as well as by general in vitro growth characteristics. Cell-cell adhesion studies suggest specificity at the level of tumor cell-ovary organ cell interaction.