Tumorigenicity of Methyl-n-Propylnitrosamine in Syrian Golden Hamsters

Summary

Weekly subcutaneous injections (12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg body wt) of methyl-n-propylnitrosamine (MPN) given for life to Syrian golden hamsters caused tumors of the respiratory tract and liver. The main target tissue was the posterior region of the nasal cavity where adenocarcinomas were most common. Papillomas were found in the larynx, trachea, and stem bronchi. Adenomas and carcinomas of the lung developed mainly in females treated with the highest dose. The morphology of the observed neoplasms and the metabolic relation of MPN to di-n-propylnitrosamine are discussed.