[Possibility of endogenous dimethylnitrosamine synthesis in rats administered dimethylamine and nitrite with the food]

Concurrent peroral administration of dimethylamine (DMA) and sodium nitrite to rats produced necrosis of liver parenchyma and increased the activity of glutamicoalanine transaminase. Similar changes were recorded after administering dimethylnitrosamine (DMNA) that points to potential synthesis of this carcinogen from the precursors. Prolonged (over 2.5 years) feeding with DMA and nitrite resulted in part of the rats in tumours of the lungs and in other neoplasms. Ascorbic acid that blocks the endogenous synthesis of DMNA interfered with the development of tumour and pretumour lesions that emerged as a result of concurrent feeding with DMA and nitrite.