Antitumour effect of abrin on transplanted tumours in mice

Abrin, a galactose specific lectin was purified using sepharose 4B affinity column from seeds of Abrus precatorius. It exhibited antitumour activity in mice when used at a sublethal dose of 7.5 micrograms/kg every alternate day for 10 days. Both intralesional and intraperiloneal (i.p.) administration of abrin was effective in reducing solid tumour mass development induced by Dalton's Lymphoma Ascites (DLA) and Ehrlich's Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) cells. DLA cell line was more sensitive to abrin than EAC. Abrin when injected i.p. increased the life span of ascites tumour bearing mice. Abrin when used simultaneously with tumour cells brought about maximum antitumour effect. On developed tumour masses, abrin administration brought about significant reduction in tumour volume, especially in DLA induced tumours. Prophylactic administration of abrin was found ineffective.     

Antitumor activity of Sansevieria roxburghiana rhizome against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in mice

Context: Sansevieria roxburghiana Schult. & Schult. f. (Agavaceae) is a herbaceous perennial plant traditionally used for coughs, rheumatism; as an expectorant, febrifuge, purgative, and tonic.

Objective: To evaluate the hydroalcoholic extract of S. roxburghiana rhizome (HASR) for antitumor activity against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) in Swiss albino mice.

Methods: Twenty-Four hours after intraperitoneal inoculation of tumor (EAC) cells in mice, HASR was administered at 50 and 100?mg/kg body weight for nine consecutive days. On day 10 half of the mice were sacrificed and rest were kept alive for assessment of increase in life-span. The antitumor effect of HASR was assessed by evaluating tumor volume, packed cell count, viable and non-viable tumor cell count, median survival time and increase in life-span of EAC bearing hosts. Hematological profiles and serum biochemical parameters were estimated. Further, antioxidant properties were assessed by estimating lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT).

Results and discussion: HASR showed a significant (p < 0.001) decrease in tumor volume, packed cell volume and viable cell count and increased the life span of EAC bearing mice. Hematological and serum biochemical profiles were restored to normal levels in HASR treated mice as compared to EAC control. HASR treatment significantly (p <0.001) decreased lipid peroxidation and recovered GSH, SOD and CAT towards normal as compared to EAC control.

Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that S. roxburghiana rhizome exhibited remarkable antitumor activity in Swiss mice that is plausibly attributable to its augmenting endogenous antioxidant mechanisms.     

Antitumor efficacy and amelioration of oxidative stress by Trichosanthes dioica root against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in mice

Context: Trichosanthes dioica Roxb. (Cucurbitaceae) is a dioecious climber, traditionally used in India for several medicinal purposes.

Objective: The present study assessed the hydroalcoholic extract of T. dioica root (TDA) for antitumor effect and antioxidant influence against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) in Swiss albino mice.

Methods: Twenty four hours after intraperitoneal inoculation of tumor (EAC) cells in mice, TDA was administered at 5 and 10?mg/kg body weight daily for 9 consecutive days. On the 10th day, half of the mice were sacrificed for estimation of tumor proliferation, hematological, and liver antioxidant parameters viz. lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT); and the rest were kept alive for assessment of increase in life span. The antitumor effect of TDA was assessed by evaluating tumor weight, tumor volume, packed cell volume, viable and non-viable tumor cell counts, median survival time and percentage increase in life span of EAC bearing mice.

Results and discussion: TDA exhibited dose dependent and significant (p?<?0.001) decrease in tumor weight, tumor volume, packed cell volume and viable cell count and extended the life span of EAC bearing hosts. Hematological profiles were significantly (p?<?0.001) restored near to normal in TDA treated mice as compared to EAC control. TDA treatment significantly (p?<?0.001) modulated the aforesaid liver antioxidant parameters as compared to EAC control.

Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that TDA possessed promising antitumor efficacy in mice, plausibly mediated by amelioration of oxidative stress by multiple mechanisms.     

In vitro and in vivo antitumor activity of a methanol extract of Dregea volubilis leaves with its antioxidant effect

Context: In India, Dregea volubilis (L.f.) Benth. ex Hook.f. (Asclepediaceae), a large twining shrub with a woody vine, is used to treat tumors traditionally.

Objective: This study evaluated the in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity of the methanol extract of Dregea volubilis leaves (MEDV) and elucidated its possible mechanism of action.

Materials and methods: In vitro antitumor activity of MEDV was evaluated against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cell-line. In vivo antitumor and antioxidant activity of MEDV at three dose levels (50, 100, and 200?mg/kg) were determined against EAC tumor-bearing mice. After 24?h of EAC inoculation, the extract was administered for 9 consecutive days. After the administration of the last dose on the 9th day followed by 18?h fasting, mice from all groups were sacrificed to determine antitumor activity and hematological profiles along with liver related biochemical parameters like lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymatic activity, etc.

Results: For in vitro antitumor activity, IC₅₀ value of MEDV for EAC tumor cells was 85.51?±?4.07 µg/ml. The MEDV showed a decrease in tumor volume, packed cell volume and viable cell count and an increase in the non-viable cell count of the EAC tumor-bearing mice (p?<?0.001). Hematological profile reverted near to normal level in extract treated mice. MEDV decreased the hepatic lipid peroxidation level and enhanced superoxide dismutase and catalase level in tumor-bearing mice (p?<?0.001).

Discussion and conclusion: MEDV exhibited in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity in EAC tumor-bearing mice mediated through augmenting antioxidant defense system.     

Effect of the methanolic extract of Glinus lotoides on Dalton's ascitic lymphoma

The antitumour activity of the methanolic extract of Glinus lotoides (MGL) has been evaluated against Dalton's ascitic lymphoma (DAL) in Swiss albino mice. A significant enhancement of mean survival time of tumour bearing mice and peritoneal cell count in normal mice was observed with respect to the control group. When these MGL treated animals underwent i.p. inoculation with DAL cells, tumour cell growth was found to be inhibited. After 14 d of inoculation, MGL is able to reverse the changes in the haemotological parameters, protein and packed cellular volume consequent to tumour inoculation.     

Antitumour activity of rhinacanthone against Dalton's ascitic lymphoma

The antitumour activity of Rhinacanthone (3,4-dihydro-3,3-dimethyl-2H-naphtho-[1,2-B] pyran-5,6-dione) has been evaluated against Dalton's ascitic lymphoma (DAL) in Swiss albino mice. A significant enhancement of mean survival time of tumour bearing mice and peritoneal cell count in normal mice was observed with respect to the control group. When these Rhinacanthone treated animals underwent i.p. inoculation with DAL cells, tumour cell growth was found to be inhibited. After 14 d of inoculation, Rhinacanthone was able to reverse the changes in the haemotological parameters, protein and packed cellular volume consequent to tumour inoculation.     

Evaluation of in vitro antioxidant,anticancer and in vivo antitumour activity of Termitomyces clypeatus MTCC 5091

Context: Termitomyces clypeatus (Lyophyllaceae) is a filamentous edible mushroom, having ethnomedicinal uses. However, information about the antioxidant, anticancer and antitumour properties of this mushroom remains to be elucidated.

Objective: The study examines the in vitro antioxidant, anticancer and in vivo antitumour activity of T. clypeatus.

Materials and methods: Antioxidant activity was evaluated with seven in vitro assays. Cytotoxicity of T. clypeatus was tested against a panel of cancer cells lines including U373MG, MDA-MB-468, HepG2, HL-60, A549, U937, OAW-42 and Y-79 using MTT assay. The antitumour activity of aqueous extract was evaluated against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) tumour model in Swiss albino mice.

Results: HPLC analysis of aqueous extract revealed the presence of sugar entities. Termitomyces clypeatus showed excellent in vitro antioxidant activity. Termitomyces clypeatus was found cytotoxic against all cancer cells, among which it showed higher activity against U937 (IC₅₀ 25?±?1.02?μg/mL). Treatment of EAC-bearing mice with varied doses of aqueous extract significantly (p?<?0.01) reduced tumour volume, viable tumour cell count and improved haemoglobin content, RBC count, mean survival time, tumour inhibition and % increase life span. The enhanced antioxidant status in treated animals was evident from the decline in the levels of lipid peroxidation, increased levels of glutathione, catalase and superoxide dismutase.

Discussion: The analyzed data indicate that the aqueous extract of T. clypeatus exhibits significant antitumour activity, which might be due to the antioxidant effects on EAC bearing hosts.

Conclusion: Termitomyces clypeatus possesses anticancer activity, valuable for application in food and drug products.     

Trichosanthes dioica root extract induces tumor proliferation and attenuation of antioxidant system in albino mice bearing Ehrlich ascites carcinoma

Trichosanthes dioica Roxb. (Cucurbitaceae), called pointed gourd in English, is a dioecious climber grown widely in the Indian subcontinent. The present study assessed the influence of treatment of hydroalcoholic extract of Trichosanthes dioica root (TDA) on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) in Swiss albino mice with effects on antioxidant systems. Twenty-four hours after intraperitoneal inoculation of tumor (EAC) cells in mice, TDA was administered at 25 and 50 mg/kg for 8 consecutive days. On the 9(th) day, half of the mice were sacrificed for estimation of tumor proliferation, hematological, and hepatic antioxidative parameters. The rest were kept for assessment of survival parameters. TDA exhibited dose dependent and significant increase in tumor weight, tumor volume, packed cell volume and viable cells and reduced non-viable cells and life span of EAC bearing animals. Hematological parameters were significantly worsened in TDA-treated mice. TDA treatment significantly aggravated the hepatic antioxidative parameters. The present study demonstrated that T. dioica root possessed tumor promoting activity in EAC bearing albino mice, plausibly mediated by attenuation of endogenous antioxidant systems.     

复方海藻多糖合剂抗癌作用的实验研究

本实验研究了复方海藻多糖合剂对小鼠艾氏腹水癌(EAC)、小鼠肉瘤(S_(180))、小鼠网状组织细胞白血病(L_(615))的抑制作用,结果表明,复方海藻多糖合剂可显著延长荷瘤小鼠的生存时间,抑制肿瘤细胞的增殖;对于因接种肿瘤细胞后引起荷瘤小鼠的胸腺萎缩和肾上腺萎缩也具有显著的对抗作用。本研究提示,复方海藻多糖合剂是一安全有效具有希望的抗癌中药制剂,值得进一步开发研究。     

牛樟芝水提取物抗过敏作用及其机制研究

目的 研究牛樟芝水提物的抗过敏作用并初步探讨其作用机制。方法 采用大鼠被动皮肤过敏模型、小鼠迟发型超敏模型、小鼠全身皮肤瘙痒模型、小鼠腹腔毛细血管通透性模型,观察牛樟芝水提物在体抗过敏作用。采用体外培养的RBL-2H3肥大细胞,观察牛樟芝水提物对细胞增殖及凋亡的影响,初步探讨其抗过敏反应的作用机制。结果 体内试验中,牛樟芝水提物显著降低大鼠被动皮肤过敏反应,明显降低小鼠耳肿胀度、胸腺指数及脾指数,提高右旋糖酐所致皮肤瘙痒阈值,减少小鼠瘙痒次数,抑制组胺所致血管通透性上升;体外试验中,其剂量相关性的抑制RBL-2H3细胞增殖,促进细胞凋亡。结论 牛樟芝水提取物有一定的抗过敏作用,其机制与促进RBL-2H3细胞凋亡有关。     

Antitumor activity and antioxidant property of Curcuma caesia against Ehrlich’s ascites carcinoma bearing mice

Abstract

Context: Curcuma caesia Roxb. (Zingiberaceae), commonly known as “Kala Haldi” in Bengali, has been traditionally used for the treatment of cancer, bruises, inflammation and as an aphrodisiac.

Objective: To evaluate the antitumor activity and antioxidant status of the methanol extract of Curcuma caesia (MECC) rhizomes on Ehrlich’s ascites carcinoma (EAC)-treated mice.

Materials and methods: In vitro cytotoxicity assay of MECC was evaluated by using Trypan blue method. Determination of in vivo antitumor activity was performed after 24?h of EAC cells (2?×?10⁶?cells/mouse) inoculation; MECC (50 and 100?mg/kg i.p.) was administered daily for nine consecutive days. On day 10, half of the mice were sacrificed and the rest were kept alive for assessment of increase in lifespan. Antitumor effect of MECC was assessed by the study of tumor volume, tumor weight, viable and non-viable cell count, hematological parameters and biochemical estimations. Furthermore, antioxidant parameters were assayed by estimating liver and kidney tissue enzymes.

Results: MECC showed direct cytotoxicity (IC₅₀ 90.70?±?8.37?μg/mL) on EAC cell line. MECC exhibited significant (p?<?0.01) decrease in tumor volume, tumor weight, viable cell count and percentage increased the lifespan (57.14 and 88.09%) of EAC-treated mice. Hematological profile, biochemical estimation, tissue antioxidant assay significantly (p?<?0.01) reverted to normal level in MECC-treated mice.

Conclusion: MECC possesses potent antitumor activity that may be due to its direct cytotoxic effect or antioxidant properties. Further research is in progress to find out the active principle(s) of MECC for its antitumor activity.     

Antineoplastic and antioxidant activities of Oxystelma esculentum on Swiss albino mice bearing Ehrlich’s ascites carcinoma

The present study investigated the antitumor effect and antioxidant role of the methanol extract of Oxystelma esculentum R. Br. (Asclepiadaceae) (MEOE) on tumor growth and the host survival time with mice. The antitumor and antioxidant potential of Oxystelma esculentum were studied against Ehrlich’s ascites carcinoma cell line (EAC) treated mice. MEOE was administered at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight (bw) once a day for 9 days after 24 h of tumor inoculation. Among the treated animals, six animals were sacrificed for biochemical and tumor analysis, and the remaining four groups were kept to study lifespan. On day 10, the parameters of tumor volume, packed cell volume, viable, and non-viable cell count were studied. Hematological and liver biochemical parameters, and antioxidant enzymes such as lipid peroxidation (LPO), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), etc. were estimated. Decreases in tumor volume, packed cell volume, and viable cell count were observed in MEOE-treated mice when compared to EAC-treated mice. Treatment with MEOE at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg increased the mean survival time to 29.66 ± 0.71 and 34.33 ± 2.34 days, compared with EAC-treated mice at 19.16 ± 1.13 days. The extract also decreased the body weight of the EAC-bearing mice. Hematological profiles indicated a decrease in white blood cells (WBC), an increase in red blood cells (RBC), and, thereby, Hemoglobin (Hb). MEOE restored all the parameters of hematological profiles to approximately normal. Treatment with MEOE decreased the levels of LPO and increased the levels of GSH, SOD, and CAT. These data indicate the methanol extract of Oxystelma esculentum exhibits significant antitumor activity, which might be due to the antioxidant effects on EAC bearing hosts.     

Growth inhibition and apoptosis of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells by the methanol extract of Eucalyptus camaldulensis

Context: Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. (Myrtaceae) is a tall evergreen tree found commonly in Bangladesh. Its use in traditional folk medicine for the treatment of various health complications are well known.

Objective: To explore the in vivo antitumor effect of Eucalyptus camaldulensis stem bark methanol extract (ME) against Ehrlich’s ascites carcinoma (EAC) in Swiss albino mice.

Materials and methods: The antitumor activity of ME was studied by determining viable tumor cell count, recording tumor weight and survival time, observing morphological changes and nuclear damage of EAC cells, and estimating hematological as well as biochemical parameters of experimental mice (25, 50 and 100?mg/kg/day for 5?d, i.p.).

Results: ME showed 96% (p?p?p?50 value (1120?mg/kg) of ME indicated its low host toxic effects. ME-treated EAC cells showed membrane blebbing, chromatin condensation, nuclear fragmentation (apoptotic features) in Hoechst 33342 staining under fluorescence microscope. The DNA profile in agarose gel (1.5%) electrophoresis also confirmed that ME caused EAC cell death by apoptosis.

Discussion and conclusion: Results showed that ME exhibits strong anticancer activity through apoptosis and stimulation of host immunity. Thus, E. camaldulensis may be considered as a promising resource in cancer chemotherapy.     

Inhibition of breast cancer metastasis by dual liposomes to disturb complex formation

The interaction between tumour cells and blood components, mainly platelets, plays an important role in metastasis. In this study, the anti-metastatic effect of vesicles containing the cytotoxic drug perifosine (OPP) and the haemostatic inhibitor dipyridamole (DIP) was tested. These dual liposomes (DIP/OPP-L) encapsulating up to 400 μg DIP/ml and 6 mM OPP were prepared by extrusion technique. In vitro, DIP/OPP-L significantly inhibited the aggregation of platelets and reduced their adhesion to immobilized MT3 cells by up to 60% and 24.7%, respectively. Complex formation between platelets and tumour cells in vitro was completely prevented by DIP/OPP-vesicles. These combinatory liposomes also inhibited the metastatic capacity of circulating tumour cells by reducing the complex formation with platelets. Formation of lung and extrapulmonary metastases after intravenous administration of MT3 breast cancer cells was significantly reduced when mice were treated with a single intravenous dose of DIP/OPP-L containing 100 nmol lipid 6 h before tumour cell inoculation.     

Ameliorative effects of vitamin B17 on the kidney against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma induced renal toxicity in mice

Cancer is the major cause of death and many factors that lead to its occurrences, such as environmental pollution and pesticides and other factors. Ehrlich carcinoma development depends on many things associated with the environment, nutrition, personal habits, and family history. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential protective effects of vitamin B17 (VB17) against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) that induced kidney toxicity in female mice. The mice were divided into five groups (first group, control group; second group, VB17 group; third group, EAC group; fourth group, pretreated EAC with VB17; fifth group, cotreated EAC with VB17). Results showed the VB17 in pretreated (G4) and cotreated (G5) groups lead to an improvement in DNA damage and cytological examination, in addition significantly (P < .05) increase in Na⁺, red blood cell, hemoglobin, hematocrit value, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and MCH concentration, whereas significantly (P < .05) decrease in urea, creatinine, K⁺, platelets, and white blood cells while insignificant (P < .05) changes in mean corpuscular volume when compared to the EAC group. Many histopathological changes were observed in kidney sections in EAC as marked damage and degenerated, glomerular atrophy, the Malpighian corpuscles that lost their characteristic configuration. On the other hand, a moderate improvement and arrangement in the kidney histological structure in pretreated VB17 + EAC, while a mild enhancement and arrangement of the kidney structure in cotreated EAC + VB17. In addition, depletion in renal P53 and PCNA protein expression compared with the EAC group. It could be concluded that VB17 has a potential renal protective effect against EAC cells induced kidney injury.     

WB_(852)抗肿瘤作用及对癌细胞内环核苷酸的影响

WB_(852)是我院药物合成研究室合成的环戊酮系列化合物之一。实验证明,WB_(852)对体外培养的L_(1210)细胞株及人早幼粒白血病细胞株有明显的抑制作用,对L_(1210)细胞在1μg/ml浓度时有明显的抑制作用,而对HL-60细胞在更低的浓度时就有明显的抑制作用。WB_(852)对小鼠移植性肿瘤有显著疗效,腹腔连续用药9天,对荷EAC和HepA小鼠的生命延长率分别为333%和149%;对B_(16)和Lewis肺癌的抑制率为92.8%和49.8%.WB_(852)腹腔连续用药7天对EAC细胞内cAMP和cGMP含量均无明显影响。     

Virus - tumor cell relationships. In vivo cocultivation of para-influenza type 1 (Sendai) virus and of Rous sarcoma virus (Schmidt-Ruppin strain) in mouse Ehrlich ascites carcinoma

Co-infection of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC)-bearing mice with Sendai virus and Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) did not result in the formation of complete RSV. Sendai virus could be, however, propagated in this system over 8 serial passages. As demonstrated by immunofluorescence and complement fixation reactions, antigens specific to each virus were synthesized in EAC cells following either single or mixed virus infection. The virus progens also contained antigenic fractions incorporated from the host cell. The incomplete progens synthesized when RSV inoculation preceded that of Sendai virus possessed three polypeptide fractions characteristic of Sendai virus and one RSV-specific fraction.     

Apoptogenic activity and toxicity studies of a cytotoxic protein (BMP1) from the aqueous extract of common Indian toad (Bufo melanostictus Schneider) skin

A protein (BMP1) was purified from common Indian toad (Bufo melanostictus, Schneider) skin through DEAE cellulose ion exchange chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography. The molecular weight of the BMP1 was found to be 79 kDa. BMP1 (0.5 and 1 mg/kg/day, i.p.) significantly decreased the number of viable Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells, thereby increased the lifespan of EAC bearing mice (p < 0.001). MTT values reduced significantly with the treatment of BMP1 (0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg/day, i.p. for 3 days) on EAC cells indicated its antiproliferative activity. This was also supported by flow-cytometric data on the cell cycle arrest at G1 in EAC cells. BMP1 (1 mg/kg) reduced the solid tumor weight and volume of about three times further support the antiproliferative nature. Fluorescence and confocal microscopic study on EAC cells after BMP1 (0.5 mg/kg/day, i.p. for 3 days) treatment indicated certain features of apoptosis, like nuclear fragmentation, membrane blebbing, and vacuolization of cells. DNA fragmentation was clearly observed in alkaline comet assay. Apoptosis induced by BMP1 was further confirmed through flow-cytometric analysis of annexin-V binding study, sub-G1 arrest in the cell cycle and found to be mediated through caspase 3 dependent pathway. LD50 of BMP1 was found to be 12.2 mg/kg, i.p. in male Swiss albino mice. BMP1 treatment at 0.5 mg/kg and 1.0 mg/kg for 10 days did not alter any hematological and biochemical parameters in mice, but after 30 days of treatment produce significant rise in total leucocyte count, neutrophil percentage, serum urea, creatinine, GOT, LDH and decrease in lymphocyte percentage as compared to respective control. In conclusion, BMP1, a protein molecule isolated from Indian toad (B. melanostictus, Schneider) skin, showed antiproliferative and apoptogenic activity on EAC cancer cell with limited toxicity.     

新抗肿瘤物质——恩其明(UNGEREMINE,AT-1840)及其有关化合物的合成和构效关系

恩其明(ungeremine,Ⅱ,AT-1840)对小鼠艾氏腹水癌,L₁₂₁₀、P₃₈₈、Lewis肺癌以及大鼠吉田肉瘤腹水型有明显抑制作用。为了研究其构效关系合成了有关化合物Ⅳ～ⅩⅣ。Ⅱ_a已推荐临床试用,经464例各种中晚期肿瘤患者的J临床观察,有效率(肿瘤缩小1/2以上)为15.7%,对卵巢癌、胃癌等肿瘤有一定疗效,且副反应低,对血象、心、肝、肾等主要脏器均无明显影响。     

Boric acid enhances in vivo Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cell proliferation in Swiss albino mice

The influence of boric acid, a boron carrier, on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cell-bearing mice was investigated in view of its importance in the boron neutron capture therapy and the influence of boron on proliferation and progression of cancer cells mediated by proteoglycans and collagen. The present study included the evaluation of boric acid for the effects on total count and viability of EAC cells in addition to their non-protein sulfhydryls (NP-SH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents as parameters for conjugative detoxication potency and possible oxidative damage. The EAC cell-bearing animals were also observed for the effect on survival, body weight changes, and histopathological evaluation of the tumors grown at the site of inoculation. The treatment with boric acid significantly increased the total number of peritoneal EAC cells and their viability. A significant increase in the body weight was observed that dose-dependently reached plateau levels by 20 days of treatment. Conversely, a reduction in the duration of survival of these animals was evident with the same protocol. Boric acid treatment resulted in a decrease in NP-SH contents with a concomitant increase in MDA levels in EAC cells as revealed by the results of the biochemical analysis. These data are supported by our results on histopathological investigations, which apparently showed fast growth, in addition to several mitotic figures and mixed inflammatory reaction, after treatment with boric acid. It seems likely that a particular combination of properties of boric acid, rather than a single characteristic alone, will provide useful information on the use of this boron carrier in neutron capture therapy.