We have begun to evaluate the ferret as a model for studying gastric nitrosation and nitrosamine metabolism. Jugular cannulation allows convenient dosing and sampling of blood, and this technique has been used to study clearance of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) after intravenous, intraperitoneal and intragastric administration. NDMA metabolism can be inhibited by 4-methylpyrazole for up to 24 h; the accumulation of endogenously-synthesized NDMA can therefore be observed in animals following pretreatment with this compound. We have studied endogenous NDMA synthesis in animals dosed with dimethylamine and nitrite and in animals to which no NDMA precursors were administered.