[Lipid peroxide metabolism in chemical carcinogenesis]

Lecithin and kephalin content in the microsomes and mitochondria of the rat liver, and also the activity of enzymatic and nonenzymatic systems of the phospholipid peroxidation showed a sharp change following 3,4-benzpyrene injection. Carcinogenesis is accompanied by significant changes in the lipid peroxides content and in the activity of the enzyme utilizing lipoperoxides (glutathion peroxidase, glutathion reductase). Accumulation of lipid peroxides in the rat liver in carcinogenesis was connected with disturbed balance of the generating systems and detoxication of lipid peroxides in the tumour is attributed to the high activity of the protective enzymatic systems and serves as a reflection of the adaptation mechanisms directed to the maintenance of a high pool of proliferating cells in the tumour.