Influence of BCG on the development of 256 Walker carcinosarcoma inoculated intratesticularly in the rat, in relation to thyroid status alerations.

The effect of nonspecific antitumoral immunity caused by BCG on intratesticular development of 256 Walker carcinosarcoma has been studied on male hyper- or hypothyroidectomized rats. Thyroid hormones level was altered by administration of T4. Alkiron or thyroidectomy. The time and route of BCG administration differed from one lot to another. Authors' results show that administration of BCG before or concomitantly with the graft stimulates tumor development, whereas administration of BCG mixed with a suspension of tumoral cells causes marked inhibition in the development of primary tumor and metastasis, an inhibition which is not influenced by the thyroid hormones level. In vitro proliferation of the tumoral cells as well as histopathologic examination of the tumors suggest the involvement of a complex process in achieving the nonspecific antitumoral immunity.