[Induction of tumours by different endogenously formed N-nitroso-ureas in the hooded rat (author's transl)]

By means of application of methyl-, ethyl-, n-propyl-, iso-propyl- and n-butylurea together with sodium nitrite the formation of corresponding carcinogenic N-nitroso compounds is demonstrated. The transplacental action of endogenously formed ethylnitrosourea led to a characteristic spectrum of tumours in the offspring comprising mainly neurogenic neoplasms of the brain and Nn. trigemini. The tumour incidence is especially high after application of precursors (ethylurea and nitrite) with the food. In postnatal experiments with methylurea and nitrite, there were induced mostly neurogenic tumours and reticulum cell sarcomas of the paracoecal region. A similar spectrum of tumours was found after postnatal application of iso-propylurea and nitrite by gastric tube. After a single dose of iso-propylurea and nitrite at day 21 of pregnancy there seems to be a slight carcinogenic effect in a small group of animals. The application of n-propylurea and n-butylurea, resp., together with nitrite led mainly to reticulum cell sarcomas of the paracoecal region after formation of corresponding alkylnitrosoureas. The spectrum of tumours is compared with that after the action of complete carcinogen and with the results obtained by other authors.