Changes in the immunologic status reflected in the physicochemical characteristics of cells of the immunocompetent system during carcinogenesis

The state of the cell population of the lymph nodes and thymus was studied by the fluorescent probe method in rats with sarcoma of the thigh induced by dimethylbenzanthracene. Statistically significant changes were found in the uptake of the negatively charged probe 1-aniline-8-naphthalene-sulfonate (ANS) in cell suspensions depending on the stage of development of the sarcoma. In the early stages of carcinogenesis cell forms with a less hydrophobic surface and containing fewer binding sites were observed to appear. It is suggested that these cells belong to the immature category. It is concluded that the fluorescent probe method is suitable for recording changes in the immunologic status of the organism during carcinogenesis.