Seminal ribonuclease inhibits tumor growth and reduces the metastatic potential of Lewis lung carcinoma.

The role of some RNases as antitumoral agents has been recently emphasized. We have previously demonstrated a striking inhibitory effect of bovine seminal RNase on the in vitro growth of tumor cells of metastatic origin. This has prompted us to test the effects of this protein in vivo on the induction of metastatic foci in mice lungs after i.m. injection of a highly metastatic Lewis lung carcinoma cell line. The results presented here, while confirming and expanding upon those previously reported on the antitumor effects of bovine seminal RNase in vivo on primary thyroid epithelial tumors, indicate for the first time that bovine seminal RNase can also be regarded as a potent antimetastatic agent on in vivo spontaneous metastases.