Studies of skin carcinogenesis in the Syrian golden hamster.

Abstract

Summary The carcinogens 9,10-dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene, 20-methylcholanthrene, 3,4-benzpyrene, 1,2,5,6-dibenzanthracene, 1,2-benzanthracene, and 2-anthramine have been tested topically in the Syrian golden hamster. The mouse skin tumor-promoting agents, croton oil and polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate (Tween 60), have been tested on hamster skin following a single application of 9,10-dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene. Melanotic tumors, similar to those previously described, were induced with 9,10-dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene. Among the other carcinogens tested, only 20-methylcholanthrene gave rise to a single melanotic tumor. The results are discussed in terms of chemical specificity and dose-response for the induction and progression of the melanotic tumors, in contrast to other skin tumors.