Tests of some heterocyclic compounds against mouse leukemia.

In all experiments, (AKR x DBA2) FI mice, approximately 20 grams in weight, bearing leukemia L 1210, were used as test objects. Pieces from a 7-day tumor were implanted subcutaneously by trocar in the axillary region. Groups of ten mice each were injected intraperitoneally with the test compound, starting 24 or 72 hours after implantation, as specified in the table. The dose used in these studies approximates the maximum tolerated dose for mice of this strain. In a few cases, the number of injections was reduced because of toxic manifestations. With each trial, a control group, of ten animals, injected with 0.5 cc of the vehicle was included; and a group of ten mice was treated with 40mg/K of 6-Mercaptopurine as a reference standard. All mice were autopsied, and in all cases a tumor was present. Extensive métastases were grossly evi dent except in a few cases of early toxic death, in which degenerative changes were prominent. None of the mice receiving test compounds, listed in the table, had sur vival times significantly greater than those of the controls. In contrast, treat ment with 6-Mercaptopurine at the 40mg/K level was followed by a 39 to 72% increase in length of life with the longest life span being 23 days.