Skin tumours induced by local and systemic action of N-nitroso-compounds in rats

The skin of white outbred rats was painted with solutions of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU), N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG), N-methyl-N,N'-dinitroguanidine and diazoacetic ester (DAAE). DAAE was administered to rats intravenously, intraperitoneally and subcutaneously as well. Skin tumours have appeared only in the experiments with MNU, MNNG and DAAE. The application of MNU and MNNG caused tumours of the skin in the site of application, and as for DAAE, it induced tumours in the remote places of the skin. Systemic methods of DAAE administration entailed mainly mammary tumours in female rats, but not those of the skin. Possible mechanisms of action of the compounds under study have been discussed.