Comparison of the mode of immunopotentiating action of BCG and wax D. II. Effect on the methylcholanthrene carcinogenesis.

The effects of BCG and wax D on methylcholanthrene (MCA) carcinogenesis in mice were studied. BCG given 8 weeks after MCA administration conferred a significant protection against carcinogenesis. When given either on the same day as MCA injection or 4 weeks after MCA, BCG slightly increased tumor incidence. Wax D provided a marked protection against tumor development when given 4 weeks after MCA. An enhanced tumor development was obtained, when wax D was administered either on the day of MCA injection or 8 weeks after MCA. These results indicated that the effects of BCG and wax D on MCA carcinogenesis varied with the timing of administration. When BCG and wax D increased the level of delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) at the initiating time of tumor development, a protection against carcinogenesis was obtained. On the other hand, BCG and wax D enhanced tumor development, when it increased antibody formation at the time of initiation of tumor development.