HORMONAL ALTERATIONS IN WALKER-256 TUMOR-BEARING RATS POSSIBLE ROLE OF CALCIUM FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF CACHEXIA

Modifications of plasma concentration of various hormones and of Ca2in late cachexia in Walker 256 carcinosarcoma-bearing rats (TB) and co ntrols(C) were investigated. Plasma levels of Triiodothyronin - T-3 (4 5%), thyroxin (61%), reverse T-3 (26%), flee testosterone (500%), insu lin (53%) and growth hormone (80%) were significantly lowered in TB an imals in comparison with controls. The plasma and skeletal muscle conc entrations of Ca2+ were higher in tumor-bearing rats, as compared with controls. Therefore, hypercalcemia and increased content of Calcium i n skeletal muscle may consist the main mechanism to maintain and aggra vate the wasting process in cachexia of Walker 256 tumor-bearing rats.