Inhibition by cell-free Ehrlich ascites tumour fluid of the resolution of carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatorenal necrosis in mice.

Small doses of cell-free Ehrlich ascites fluid given to mice 18 hr after CCl4 effectively prevents resolution of the toxin-induced hepatorenal necrosis, thus duplicating the reported effects of washed Ehrlich tumour cells. The available data indicate that Ehrlich tumour fluid does not contain the agent directly responsible for resolution-inhibition, but rather contains an inducer which stimulates host tissues to form the ultimate inhibitor. Only in the presence of renal tubular necrosis is the inhibitor allowed to accumulate to levels which prevent resolution. The possibility that host-derived inhibitors include antiproteases is discussed.