Oncogene expression in rat hepatomas and during hepatocarcinogenesis

In this study we examined oncogene expression in several Morris hepatomas. We found elevated transcripts for Ha-ras, Ki-ras, and the myc oncogenes, while the src oncogene was not increased. Northern analysis revealed transcript sizes of 1.4 kb for Ha-ras and 2.5 kb for myc. Analysis of primary tumors induced by the carcinogen 3'-methyl-4-dimethylaminoazobenzene (3'-MDAB) showed increasing oncogene transcript production with increasing length of diet. The results show enhanced ras and myc expression in rat hepatocellular carcinomas and during hepatocarcinogenesis.