The effect of diet on the immunocompetence of mice which develop spontaneous mammary tumors : an honors thesis [(HONRS 499)]

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to determine whether a saturated fat diet influences the immune capability of Strong Strain A mice which develop spontaneous mammary tumors. It was been observed in our laboratory that mice on a saturated fat diet develop mammary tumors at a later age than mice on a stock diet. In order for tumor formation to occur, the tumor must survive attack by the host's immune system. The difference in the tumor development between the two groups of mice, then, may possibly be due to an alteration in the immune system allowing the animals on the saturated fat diet to exist a longer period of time without tumors.