Variation of hepatic malic enzyme capacity with hepatoma susceptibility in mice of different genotypes.

Abstract

The incidence of spontaneous hepatoma in yellow and black male mice of the inbred YS/Wf and VY/Wf strains was determined. Among YS males, tumors were found in 11% of the yellow ( Ay/a ) and in 3% of the black ( a/a ) animals. Within the VY strain, tumors occurred in 24% of the yellow ( Aυy/a ) and in 13% of the black ( a/a ) males. Among the four strain-genotype categories, the incidence at 12 to 16 months of age paralleled the catalytic capacity of hepatic malic enzyme at 8 and 14 weeks of age.