Skin carcinogenesis and promoter binding characteristics in different mouse strains

The sensitivity of various mouse strains to skin carcinogenesis has been investigated in two ways; (i) by comparing carcinogenesis induced by treatments involving both the application of tumour promoters and the application of single or multiple doses of a carcinogen, and (ii) by comparing the binding characteristics of the tumour promoter [3H]phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate to particulate skin preparations. The mouse strains tested were Swiss albino, Balb/c, C3H, LACA and AKR/J. Although some differences were apparent, Swiss albino, LACA and C3H mice were generally sensitive to skin carcinogenesis by both benzo[a]pyrene and 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene, either with or without promotion with croton oil. AKR/J mice were sensitive to both carcinogens with promotion but relatively insensitive in the absence of promotion. Balb/c mice had low sensitivity except when exposed to repeated low doses of benzo[a]pyrene. The [3H]phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate binding characteristics of particulate skin preparations from all strains were indistinguishable.