Abstract

This study examined the effect of insulin on sex cord stromal tumors in the rat. Sex cord stromal tumors were induced by transplantation of ovaries under the splenic capsule of ovariectomized rats (Lewis-inbred). These tumors were then transplanted into new inbred rats. Hyperglycemic conditions were induced by treatment with streptozotocin (STZ, which selectively destroyed pancreatic islet cells) and hypoglycemic conditions by treatment with a subcutaneously implanted insulin pump (Alzet). The animals were killed 28, 56, and 84 days later. Tumor growth, animal weight, food and water consumption, and serum concentrations of glucose, FSH, LH, and estradiol were measured. Treatment with STZ and insulin with osmotic Alzet pumps induced continuous hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic conditions, respectively. No significant influence of the hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic status on tumor growth was measured during the first 28 and 56 days. Eighty-four days after transplantation and substitution of 1 or 2 IU/100 g body weight/d insulin, there was a significant stimulation of tumor growth (2.2-fold and 2.7-fold, respectively). In hyperglycemic animals (treated with STZ), no influence on tumor growth was found in comparison with the controls. This study confirms that hyperinsulinemic conditions contribute to the progression of tumors.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.