Growth-promoting effect of acid mucopolysaccharides on Ehrlich ascites tumor.

The effect of acid mucopolysaccharides on the growth of hypotetraploid Ehrlich ascites tumor was investigated using chondroitin sulfate and crude hyaluronic acid. Chondroitin sulfate solution was given s.c. into the right flank of SM mice, followed immediately by Ehrlich tumor. Average tumor weights in chondroitin sulfate-treated groups on Days 3 and 8 after tumor inoculation were 2-3 times as great as in controls. The survival time of chondroitin sulfate-treated mice was shorter than nontreated ones. By means of the same pro cedure it was also demonstrated that crude hyaluronic acid solu tion promoted significant growth of the tumor. The tumor growth-promoting effect was also studied quantita tively with various amounts and concentrations of chondroitin sulfate and was compared with that of other substances with similar physicoehemical properties. The same effect was also observed with the chorioallantoic membrane of embryonated chicken eggs and with ascitic tumor in the abdominal cavity of the mice. Chondroitin sulfate and crude hyaluronic acid en hanced tumor growth; the significance of acid mucopolysaccharide activity is discussed. The results appear to indicate that the proliferation of young connective tissue which produces acid mucopolysaccharides is favorable to the growth of cancer cells.