The effect of sex hormones on the growth of HeLa tumour nodules in male and female mice

The effect of exogenous sex hormones on the cell mediated response in male and female mice has been studied by measuring the subcutaneous growth of HeLa tumour nodules and the variation in the total lymphocyte count. It was found that oestrogen treated male and female mice experienced a profound lymphopenia which was vary rapid in onset. Concurrent with the lymphopenia there was prolongation of HeLa tumour nodule growth in female mice, but not in males. A lymphopenia occurred in androgen treated male mice with subsequent prolongation of HeLa tumour nodule growth, and a lymphocytosis in female mice, with reduction of HeLa tumour nodule growth.