Effects of 1,2-symmetrical dimethylhydrazine on jejunocolic transposition in Sprague-Dawley rats

In this experiment, a segment of the left colon including the upper part of the rectum was transposed to the upper jejunum, and a segment of upper jejunum was transposed to the left colon of the same animal. In another group, the same colon and jejunum segments were transsected and reanastomosed in place. A third group served as a normal control. After a recovery period, weekly s.c. 1,2-symmetrical dimethylhydrazine injections were begun. Each animal received a total of 20 injections at a dose of 20 mg/kg. Five weeks after the last 1,2-symmetrical dimethylhydrazine injection, 15 of 19 (79%) of the animals had one or more tumor(s) in the transposed colon segment, while none had tumor in the transposed jejunal segment. Transsected and reanastomosed animals showed the same distribution of tumors as did the normal control animals. All three groups had tumors at other sites in the colon and rectum. In addition, about 20% had tumors of the duodenojejunal area. These data indicate that the colonic mucosa is the primary target for the carcinogenic effect of 1,2-symmetrical dimethylhydrazine, independent of other variables such as the fecal stream.