Induction of Melanotic Tumors in the Syrian Golden Hamster After Administration of Ethyl Carbamate

Abstract

Ethyl carbamate (urethan), when given as 0.2 percent solution in drinking water to female and male Syrian golden hamsters, induced in the males a high incidence of melanotic tumors similar to those elicited in this species by 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA). In both sexes a high incidence of papilloma of the forestomach was also observed. Cutaneous applications of 20 percent urethan failed to show a tumorigenic effect.