| The work presented in this thesis demonstrates that adenosine stimulates the growth of two human breast carcinoma cell lines. Growth stimulation in both MCF-7 cells and T47D cells was observed at levels of adenosine as low as 3 muM, which is within the concentration range known to be present within solid tumors. Adenosine stimulation of DNA synthesis and growth in the MCF-7 carcinoma cell line was contingent on cell culture density.;To examine the effects of adenosine on lymphocyte infiltration into breast cancer tissue, a 3-dimensional model of breast cancer was utilized. This model, termed 'spheroids', involved the culture of T47D breast cancer cells in liquid medium over a base layer of agarose.;The findings of these studies support the concept that adenosine is a key mediator of tumor-induced immunosuppression. Potential therapeutic implications include the use of adenosine antagonists as an adjuvant to immunotherapy. (Abstract shortened by UMI.). |
