Transmaternal modification of the Berenblum/Mottram experiment in mice

The classical 2-stage carcinogenesis experiment has been modified in that the carcinogen DMBA was applied to pregnant mother animals at different dose levels and different time intervals during pregnancy. Promotion with the phorbol ester TPA was performed as usual by application of the promoter on the back skin of mice of the F-1 generation. It can be shown that it is possible to initiate fetal epidermal cells by transmaternal route and to promote them to produce visible skin tumors post natum. Tumor promotion by TPA is not restricted to the epidermis, since a broad spectrum of tumors of internal organs can be demonstrated in the initiated and promoted animals. This more general promoting activity of TPA--which implies its absorption and distribution throughout the whole body--has not yet been described. In addition, especially sensitive phases during fetal life with regard to initiation of cells by the carcinogen can be demonstrated. These phases comprise the last third of pregnancy and coincide with a high proliferative activity and the onset of differentiation of the fetal epidermis. The results emphasize the important role of prenatal carcinogenesis and demonstrate the increased risk also to the human organism by either prenatal initiation or postnatal promotion.