Genetic control of susceptibility to 3‐methylcholanthrene‐induced subcutaneous sarcomas

Abstract

Abstract Using a genetic system in which aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) inducibility segregates, it was observed that inducible mice are approximately 12 times more sensitive to 3‐methylcholanthrene‐induced tumorigenesis than their non‐inducible littermates. The type of parental cross (maternal influence) plays no role in this sensitivity. Hostregulated expression of the group‐specific (gs) antigen of type‐C RNA viruses, although also segregating in this genetic system, does not seem to play a major role in this enhanced susceptibility to 3‐methylcholanthrene carcinogenesis. Results are discussed with the view that the enhanced sensitivity of the AHH‐inducible animals probably results from rapid and efficient metabolism of the chemical to its ultimate carcinogenic form.