McCarthy D O, Daun J M
University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Nursing 53792.
Cancer. 1993 Jan 15;71(2):486-92. doi: 10.1002/1097-0142(19930115)71:2<486::aid-cncr2820710233>3.0.co;2-a.
Interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) are potent induces of prostaglandin (PG) synthesis and injection of PGE, IL-1, or TNF decreases food intake in healthy animals, whereas the anorexigenic effects of injected IL-1 and TNF are blocked by inhibitors of PG synthesis. It has been hypothesized that host secretion of IL-1 and TNF contribute to tumor-induced anorexia. This study was undertaken to determine whether administration of PG inhibitors alters food intake in anorectic rats implanted with Walker 256 carcinoma.
Groups of six tumor-bearing rats were implanted with slow-release pellets containing ibuprofen, indomethacin, or acetylsalicylic acid. Food intake, tumor growth, and body temperature were monitored for 14 days and compared with control tumor-bearing animals implanted with placebo pellets.
Tumor growth was associated with anorexia, fever, weight loss, and increased leukocyte secretion of IL-1 and TNF. Indomethacin and ibuprofen retarded tumor growth 30-40% and lowered body temperature compared with controls, but had no effect on food intake or body weight of tumor-bearing animals.
Prostaglandins do not mediate tumor-induced anorexia.
