Phagocytosis of colloidal carbon by the reticuloendothelial system during hepatocarcinogenesis in rats.

Abstract

SummaryAn early stimulation in the clearance of colloidal carbon by the reticuloendothelial system was noted in rats fed 3′-methyl-4-dimethylaminozobenzene or DL-ethionine. No stimulation was observed in animals receiving the basal diet or 4′-methyl-4-dimethylaminozobenzene. Elimination of the carcinogenic potency of the azo dye by hypophysectomy and of ethionine by methionine abolished the stimulation of phagocytic activity by these carcinogens. Administration of ACTH and insulin restored phagocytic activity in hypophysectomized rats fed diets containing 3′-methyl-4-dimethylamino-zobenzene.