Changes in glycosaminoglycans of AH-130 ascites tumor after treatment with cyclophosphamide and vitamin A.

A large amount of glycosaminoglycans was found in the AH-130 ascites tumor cells and also in the ascites fluids. After combined administration of Cyclophosphamide and vitamin A to the tumor-bearing rats, a significant decrease was found in tumor glycosaminoglycans sensitive to lysosomal hyaluronidase, such as the nonsulfated glycosamino glycans or chondroitin sulfate A and/or C. An increased release of the lysosomal enzymes into ascites was also consistently found. It is suggested that this reduction in tumor glycosaminoglycans reflects the synergistic effect of the combined administration of Cyclophosphamide and vita min A on the survival time of tumor-bearing rats in this investigation.