In vivo production of tumor necrosis factor for the treatment of mice bearing Ehrlich ascites tumor.

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) was produced in mice bearing Ehrlich ascites tumor (EAT) by priming with zymosan and subsequently challenging with lipopolysaccharide. The optimal conditions for the in vivo production of TNF in treating EAT bearing mice were established. The endotoxin shock induced in mice during TNF production could be minimized by the combined administration of sulindac and mannoheptulose. The endogenous TNF produced could suppress proliferation of EAT cells as well as prolong the survival time of mice bearing small tumors.