The effects of fatty acids in the diet on the rate of dedifferentiation of serially transplanted mammary gland tumors in strong strain A mice : an honors thesis [(HONRS 499)]

Abstract

The purpose of this research project was to determine the effect of dietary fatty acids on the rate of dedifferentiation of serially transplanted mammary gland tumors. As a tumor is serially transplanted from one animal to another, the tumor tissue becomes less differentiated or distinct and specialized. Cell structure facilitates rapid division and is no longer geared toward normal mammary gland function. In addition, the tumor grows much more rapidly. This research determined the effect of the two different diets on this process. The knowledge is essential for better understanding of human tumor progression as the tumor metastasizes and the mechanisms underlying the change each metastasized tumor undergoes. It may also suggest a mechanism explaining how each of the fatty acids affect tumor progression. Fatty acid composition, lipid content, and amount of cholesterol in the tumors, white and brown adipose tissue of later transplants were also determined.