Multiplication of influenza virus in the Ehrlich ascites carcinoma.

The effect of viruses on malignant tumors has been examined by a number of investigators (9). With the conversion of solid tumors into ascites form (8), however, it has become possible to carry out a more definitive study of the growth of viruses in cancer cells. The present communication deals with the normal growth characteristics of a hyperdiploid line of the Ehrlich ascites carcinoma of the mouse and the effects of influenza virus on this tu mor. The development of changes in the volume of the tumor, the number of tumor cells, the mitotic index, and the pH of the tumor were analyzed. The tumors were also examined for the presence of virus inhibitors. The results of injecting influenza virus into tumors of different ages were observed in terms of the growth of the virus in the tumor, the destruction of tumor cells, the distribution of the virus in other tissues, the lethal effect on mice, and the pH of the tumor.