Role of cystatin C and cysteine proteinases in the development of mouse LS-lymphosarcoma.

The growth of LS-lymphosarcoma in CBA mice was accompanied by a decrease in the content of the major extracellular inhibitor cystatin C in the tumor, plasma and, to a lesser extent, in tissues not involved in tumor process (liver and spleen). Cyclophosphamide in a dose of 50 mg/kg prolonged the life-span of animals and decreased tumor size by 80%. Cathepsin B and L activities in the tumor tissue increased by 3 and 7 times, respectively. Cystatin C content in the tumor tissue, spleen, and plasma also increased. Cystatin C assay in tumor tissue and plasma helps to predict the rate of tumor growth and to evaluate the efficiency of antitumor therapy.