BEHAVIOR OF COMPLEMENT IN RAT CARRIERS OF YOSHIDA TUMOR TREATED WITH GONADOTROPINS AND PGE2

The hemolitic activity of the total Complement (CH50) and its fraction s C3 and C was assayed in rats transplanted with Yoshida's tumor and t hen treated with hCG, LH-FSH, and PGE2. A marked increase of CH50 and C3 fraction values, was observed in the first post-transplantation day s in all animals, and was probably due to a sort of ''transplantation' ' stress. HCG and PGE2 induced increased CH50 and C3 but not C4 values . LH and FSH treatment caused a very slight increase in CH50 and C3. I n the following days, cachexia provoked a progressive reduction of Com plement values in all animals. Animals treated with hCG showed slightl y increased survival. The Authors suggest that the CH50 and C3 fractio n increase hCG and PGE2 induced may be expression of non specific humo ral immunity enhancement.