[The pre- and postnatal carcinogenic effect of 3,3-diethyl-1-methyl-1-nitrosourea (DEMNU) in rats following intravenous application].

Abstract

The pre- and postnatal administration of DEMNU induces a high frequency of tumors when applied via the intravenous route, and the latency periods show a dose dependence (table I). Tumors of the brain, spinal cord and cranial nerves clearly predominate. Furthermore, a large number of neoplasms of kidney, heart and soft tissue was observed (table II). As DEMNU is per se a very stable compound, it is suggested that this agent is metabolized by monooxygenases. 3-Ethyl-1-methyl-1-nitrosourea should be formed as an intermediate product via this pathway, which is relatively stable and might explain the mainly neurotropic carcinogenicity of DEMNU. Species differences in the carcinogenicity of trialkyl-nitrosoureas and the mode of metabolic activation are discussed.

• Authors: U Wagner, D Schreiber, R Thust, M Schneider
• Journal: Archiv fur Geschwulstforschung (Arch Geschwulstforsch) Vol. 60 Issue 3 Pg. 179-86 ( 1990) ISSN: 0003-911X [Print] Germany
• Vernacular Title: Prä- und postnatale kanzerogene Wirkung von 3,3-Diethyl-1-methyl-1-nitrosoharnstoff (DEMNH) bei Ratten nach intravenöser Applikation.
• PMID: 2369280 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Methylurea Compounds
• Nitrosourea Compounds
• N,N-diethyl-N'-methylurea
• diethylmethylnitrosourea

Topics

• Animals
• Female
• Injections, Intravenous
• Male
• Methylurea Compounds (administration & dosage, toxicity)
• Neoplasms, Experimental (chemically induced, pathology)
• Nitrosourea Compounds (administration & dosage, toxicity)
• Pregnancy
• Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects
• Rats
• Rats, Inbred Strains
• Time Factors