Inhibition of Expeirmental Pulmonary Metastasis of Lewis Lung Carcinoma by Orally Administered β-Glucan in Mice

Abstract

The inhibitory effect on experimental pulmonary metastasis of Lewis lung carcinoma (3LL) of SSG, a (1→3)-β-D-glucan obtained from the fngus Sclerotinia sclerotirum IFO 9395, administered orally was examined in mice. Oral administration of SSG or 10 consecutive days just after the intravenous implantation of tumor cells significantly inhibited the experimental pulmonary metastasis of 3LL at a dose of 2000 μg. However, SSG administered orally involving other timings was less effective. In comparison with oral administration, SSG was effective when administered intraperitoneally for 10 consecutive days at a dose of 200 μg.These results suggest that SSG given by botn parental and nonparenteral routes is effective in the inhibition of experimental pulmonary metastasis of tumors.