The effect of intravenous fluids on the development of experimental tumour metastases: Their effect on tumour cell aggregation

Abstract

By means of microscope studies and tumour cell sedimentation rate determinations it has been demonstrated that solutions of high molecular weight dextran (Dextraven) and solutions of low molecular weight dextran (Rheomacrodex) effected the aggregation of cell suspensions of the Walker 256 rat carcinosarcoma in vitro. This effect was not observed when the tumour cells were mixed with either 0 9% sodium chloride or 5% dextrose. It was further demonstrated that dextrans of either high molecular weight or low molecular weight promoted the development of tumour metastases from circulating cancer cells, probably by increasing the intravascular arrest of these cancer cells. © 1966, The British Empire Cancer Campaign for Research. All rights reserved.