Comparison of the skin tumor initiating activity of 3-methylcholanthrene and 3,11-dimethylcholanthrene in mice

Cancer Lett. 1979 Jul;7(2-3):97-102. doi: 10.1016/s0304-3835(79)80102-0.

Abstract

The abilities of 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC) and 3,11-dimethylcholanthrene (3,11-DMC) to initiate skin tumors in Sencar mice were determined by using a 2-stage system of tumorigenesis. 3,11-DMC was found to have very weak skin tumor initiating activity when compared to the potent activity of 3-MC. The only difference between 3-MC and 3,11-DMC is the substitution of a methyl group in position 11 which is part of the 'K-region' or the 'peri' position. From these results, we suggest that an unhindered peri position adjacent to an angular benzene ring is necessary for carcinogenic activity of 3-MC.

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

  • Animals
  • Female
  • Methylcholanthrene / analogs & derivatives*
  • Methylcholanthrene / toxicity*
  • Mice
  • Neoplasms, Experimental / chemically induced
  • Papilloma / chemically induced*
  • Skin Neoplasms / chemically induced*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Methylcholanthrene
  • 3,11-dimethylcholanthrene
  • Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate