Carcinogenic effect of N-nitroso-2,6-dimethylmorpholine in Syrian golden hamsters

Abstract

N-Nitroso-2,6-dimethylmorpholine was intragastrically administered to Syrian golden hamsters at four different dose levels [74 mg/kg body wt = 1/5 median lethal dose (LD50); 37 mg/kg body wt = 1/10 LD50; 18 mg/kg body wt = 1/20 LD50; and 9 mg/kg body wt = 1/40 LD50]. Up to a 71% rate of pancreatic tumors was induced. These tumors were adenomas or adenocarcinomas of ductal origin. In addition, neoplasms developed in different percentages in the nasal cavities, larynx, trachea, lungs, liver, gallbladder, kidneys, and forestomach. The number of tumors induced was not significantly dose-dependent.