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Role of Complement in Enhanced Tumor Growth in Nude Mice

Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Mo.

Abstract

Traditionally, the role of complement (C) in the regulation of malignant cell growth has been thought to be one of cell destruction by cytolysis. A new perspective was achieved when it was discovered that C markedly augmented the phenomenon of immunologic enhancement in vitro. Thus, anti-L cell antibody exerted a biphasic effect upon L (transformed mouse fibroblast) cell growth with high concentrations inhibiting growth and low concentrations stimulating growth. Complement augmented both cytotoxic and cytostimulatory effects of antibody (Ab) upon L cells in vitro. This report represents evidence to suggest that C exerts a synergistic effect with Ab in the stimulation of tumor growth in vivo.

Congenitally athymic (nude) mice were depleted of C3–C9 C components by the repeated i.p. injections of Cobra venom factor (CVF) and given 40 µl of either control rabbit serum (CR) or rabbit anti-L cell antiserum (AL) on day -1.