Potent tumor-initiating activity of the 3,4-dihydrodiol of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene in mouse skin

Cancer Res. 1979 Jun;39(6 Pt 1):1934-6.

Abstract

The abilities of the racemic trans-3,4-, 5,6-, and 8,9-dihydrodiols of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene to initiate skin tumors in mice were determined by using a two-stage system of tumorigenesis. The 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene trans-3,4-dihydrodiol was found to be much more active as a tumor initiator than the parent hydrocarbon. The 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene trans-5,6- and 8,9-dihydrodiols were essentially inactive as skin tumor initiators. Our results suggest that the 3,4-dihydrodiol of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene is a proximal carcinogen and that the "bay region" diol-epoxide may be the ultimate carcinogenic form of DMBA.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • 9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene* / analogs & derivatives
  • 9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene* / toxicity
  • Animals
  • Benz(a)Anthracenes* / analogs & derivatives
  • Female
  • Mice
  • Neoplasms, Experimental / chemically induced
  • Papilloma / chemically induced*
  • Skin Neoplasms / chemically induced*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Benz(a)Anthracenes
  • 9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene
  • Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate