[High activity of antioxidant enzymes in a tumor as a factor of "avoidance of control" in the immune system].

The enzymes that utilize H2O2 and lipoperoxides as well as the enzymes of the bioregeneration system glutathione and NADP+ have been examined for activity in the superficial and deep regions of DMBA-induced rat fibrosarcoma and the adjoining skeletal muscle. The activities shown by catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione reductase, and glucoso-6-phosphate dehydrogenase were 2-3 times higher and reduced glutathione levels were lower in the superficial than in deep areas. The high antioxidant potential of the tumor superficial areas is proposed to be due to the oxygen-dependent mechanisms by which macrophages and neutrophils select tumor cell clones by the given sign.