Lack of effect of the cytokine suppressive agent FR167653 on tumour growthand cachexia in rats bearing the Yoshida AH-130 ascites hepatoma

Daily s.c. administration of 6 mg/kg of FR167653 tan inhibitor of the synth esis of interleukin-l and tumour necrosis factor-or) to rats bearing the as cites hepatoma Yoshida AH-130 (a highly cachectic tumour) did not prevent e ither the anorexia or the massive weight loss - affecting both adipose tiss ue and skeletal muscle - present in the cachectic animals. The compound did not affect the circulating revels of triacylglycerols or other metabolites such as glucose or lactate. Nor did the administration of FR167653 influen ce tumour growth. It is concluded that the drug is unable to reverse the ca chectic state in this particular experimental tumour model. (C) 2000 Elsevi er Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.