Tumor cell locomotion--a factor in metastasis formation? Influence of cytochalasin B on a tumor dissemination pattern.

The influence of Cytochalasin B (CB) on TA3 ascites tumor cells was studied in vivo in order to assess whether CB-induced cell paralysis would affect the transplanation behavior of the cells and in particular tumor distribution after IV cell infusion ("experimental metastases"). Tumor cell pre-treatment with CB (1 mug/ml) did not alter the SC or IV transplantability of TA3 cells. Pre-treatment with 10 mug/ml CB, in contrast, consistently increased the incidence and number of extra-pulmonary tumor takes from IV transfused cells. The amount of pulmonary tumors was not significantly altered. SC transplantability was not affected by 10 mug/ml CB. The importance of cell mobility and cell surface topography for tumor cell nidation in vessels is discussed.