Ultrastructural changes of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells after intraperitoneal recombinant human tumor necrosis factor-alpha administration

Swiss albino male mice were inoculated intraperitoneally (i.p.) with Ehrlich ascites tumor (EAT) and treated i.p. with recombinant human tumor necrosis factor-α (rhTNF-) three time a week in doses of 5, 7.5 and 10μg for 2 weeks, respectively. The effect of the cytokine on EAT was evaluated by the rate of tumor growth inhibition and ultrastructural changes in EAT cell. After the applied doses of rhTNF-α, inhibition of tumor growth was found. The number of EAT cells decreased after 7.5 and 10μg of rhTNF-α (P<0.001). Ultrastructural study demonstrated a cytotoxic effect of the cytokine on EAT cells.