The correlation of promotion of tumour growth and of induction of hyperplasia in epidermal two-stage carcinogenesis

Efeito de promotores tumorais em pele de gerbil, Meriones unguiculatus

Supondo que a resistência relativa da pele de gerbil adulto à carcinogênese química estaria relacionada a um fenômeno de adaptação ao processo de promoção tumoral, foi caracterizado o efeito de óleo de cróton (OC) e peróxido de benzoíla (PB) sobre a pele de gerbil, através do estudo das alterações morfológicas, correlatas à atividade promotora e induzidas em função da dose administrada, da freqüência do tratamento e da associação ao iniciador metilcolantreno (MC) em modelos bifásicos e trifásicos de carcinogênese. Verificou-se que uma única aplicação tópica de 00 (0,94 mg e 1,88 mg) ou PB (20 mg e 40 mg) induz, na epiderme interfolicular, grau similar de hiperceratose e hiperplasia dose-dependente; outros efeitos, como espessamento da epiderme, hipertrofia celular e inflamação, eram mais acentuados pelo tratamento com OC. O efeito hiperplásico, também mais acentuado com OC, decorreria do estímulo proliferativo e do desequilíbrio entre proliferação e diferenciação epidérmica. O tratamento tópico repetido, com OC (1,41 mg) ou PB (30 mg), independente da freqüência semanal, bi-semanal ou tri-semanal, determinou diminuição do estímulo proliferativo inicial, além de intensa hiperceratose e regressão da hiperplasia, no caso do OC conseqüente ao desequilíbrio entre proliferação e diferenciação, favorecendo a perda celular. Entretanto, o PB, quando aplicado 2 ou 3 vezes/semana, determinou discreta progressão da hiperplasia inicial, decorrente de ligeiro desequilíbrio entre proliferação e diferenciação, prevalecendo discreto ganho celular. Ambas substâncias diferiram também no efeito inflamatório, ocorrendo regressão com OC e progressão com PB. A divergência nos efeitos hiperplásico e inflamatório estaria refletindo mecanismos de ação distintos destas duas substâncias. Ao ser aplicado OC ou PB após MC (0,2 mg), segundo protocolos de carcinogênese bifásica ou trifásica, comprovou-se que apenas o PB tem discreto efeito promotor - propagador – de papilomas na pele de gerbil adulto. Considerando a diminuição do estímulo proliferativo, que ocorre durante o tratamento repetido com OC e PB, associada ao efeito destas substâncias sobre a diferenciação celular - hiperceratose - entende-se que a expansão clonal seletiva de células epidérmicas estaria prejudicada, principalmente com OC, sendo talvez esta a base biológica da resistência relativa da pele de gerbil adulto à indução química de tumores de linhagem epidérmica.

Ultrastructural Analysis of Epidermal Hyperplasia Induced by Multiple 12-0-Tetradecanoyl-Phorbol-13-Acetate (TPA) Treatment of Mouse Skin

Stationary epidermal hyperplasia induced by exposure of mouse skin to 1-6 TPA applications was analyzed by electron microscopy and found to be of two types. Intermingled orderly and irregularly stratified hyperplastic regions observed prominently after a single TPA application gave way, on multiple treatment, to epidermal hyperplasia populated by either cuboidal cells with expanded cytoplasm or by highly polar, narrow, tall and pleomorphic cells. Both cell types were poorly differentiated and displayed a paucity of intact desmosomal junctions, resulting in an incohesive tissue structure in which a number of phenotypic variants were expressed. The variants were markedly less mature than the adjacent cells and showed basal cell phenotype, acquisition of secretory activity or a disturbed mitotic process, resulting in the formation of binucleated cells. The observations suggest that the disturbed mitotic process, poor cellular differentiation and induction of metaplasia could be the mode by which an initiated cell may express its tumor phenotype and escape differentiation during the early stage of TPA promotion.

4: Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Toluene

Toluene has a wide variety of noncosmetic applications. However, the cosmetic use is limited to nail products at concentrations up to 50%. Toluene was practically nontoxic when given orally to rats; acute oral LD50 values ranged from 2.6 g/kg to 7.5 g/kg. Results of animal studies indicated that undiluted Toluene is a skin irritant. No skin irritation or sensitization was observed in subjects treated with cosmetic products containing 31-33% Toluene. No phototoxic or photoallergic reactions were noted in subjects treated with 25% or 30% Toluene. The sole cosmetic use of Toluene is in products intended to be applied directly to the nail; therefore, human skin exposure to this ingredient will be minimal under conditions of cosmetic use. On the basis of the available data and the limited user skin exposure from cosmetic products containing Toluene, it is concluded that this ingredient is safe for cosmetic use at the present practices of use and concentration.

Cocarcinogens and Tumor Promoters and Their Environmental Importance

In recent years a great deal of effort has been spent on uncovering new carcinogens and studying the mode of action of well-known carcinogens such as nitroso compounds, aromatic hydrocarbons and aromatic amines and their occurrence in air, water, foods and other environmental sources. It has been known for about thirty years that some materials, while non-carcinogenic, can enhance greatly the potency of low-levels of known environmental carcinogens. The first such material to be discovered was the tumor promotor, croton oil, derived from the seeds of a tropical plant, Croton tiglium L, indigenous to India and Sri Lanka. Researchers interested in chemical carcinogenesis have examined its unusual behavior for many years. The active principles of croton oil, the phorbol esters, were finally isolated and chemically characterized. Recently these phorbol esters have become widely available. Consequently, their effects have been examined in a wide range of biochemical and biological studies. The phorbol esters are not environmental factors in cancer causation since they occur in a toxic plant which is not used as a source of animal or human food. Other known tumor promoters are much less active, e.g., anthralin (1,8-dihydroxy-9-anthrone) and phenol. Thus, the phorbol esters, although valuable tools in studies on chemical carcinogenesis, are less relevant to environmental health and disease than another group of compounds known as cocarcinogens. Many cocarcinogens are ubiquitous environmental agents and only recently have these compounds been given more attention. It is expected that as more of these agents become known as environmental agents, new advances in cancer prevention will be made.

Mouse Skin Bioassay for Chemical Carcinogens

The mouse skin initiation/promotion bioassay is one of the proposed bioassays of the Carcinogenesis Testing Matrix for tier II (Bull and Pereira, 1980). A review of the literature indicated that 544 chemicals and substances have been examined by application to mouse skin for carcinogenic activity. Poly-cyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, direct acting alkylating agents, and environmental samples of complex mixtures and subtractions of them that include condensates of automobile exhaust and cigarette smoke have been demonstrated to be carcinogenic by the mouse skin bioassay. Chemical classes of carcinogens that have not been demonstrated to contain initiation and carcinogens in mouse skin include azoxy, diazo, halogenated methanes, hydrazine, inorganics, steroids, and sulfonates. The mouse skin assay can be modified so mat the test substance is administered systemically i.e., oral and intraperitoneal and the promoter applied topically. This modification has the potential of increasing the number of chemical classes detected in the mouse skin initiation/promotion bioassay.

1 Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Polysorbates 20, 21, 40, 60, 61, 65, 80, 81, and 85

The Polysorbates are a series of polyoxyethylenated sorbitan esters that are used as hydrophilic, nonionic surfactants in a variety of cosmetic products. Polysorbates are hydrolyzed by pancreatic and blood lipases; the fatty acid moiety is released to be absorbed and metabolized, whereas the polyoxyethylene sorbitan moiety is very poorly absorbed and is excreted unchanged. Acute and long-term oral toxicity in animals indicates a low order of toxicity with oral ingestion of the Polysorbates.

Polysorbate 80 was shown to be nonmutagenic in the Ames and micronucleus tests. The Polysorbates were noncarcinogenic in laboratory animals. Multiple studies have shown that the Polysorbates enhance the activity of known chemical carcinogens while not actually being carcinogenic themselves.

Extensive clinical skin testing showed Polysorbates to have little potential for human skin irritation or evidence of skin sensitization or phototoxicity. The available data indicate that these ingredients are used in numerous preparations without clinical reports of significant adverse effects. It is concluded that they are safe for use in cosmetics at present concentrations of use.

Chemically induced skin carcinogenesis: Updates in experimental models (Review)

Skin cancer is one of the most common malignancies affecting humans worldwide, and its incidence is rapidly increasing. The study of skin carcinogenesis is of major interest for both scientific research and clinical practice and the use of in vivo systems may facilitate the investigation of early alterations in the skin and of the mechanisms involved, and may also lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for skin cancer. This review outlines several aspects regarding the skin toxicity testing domain in mouse models of chemically induced skin carcinogenesis. There are important strain differences in view of the histological type, development and clinical evolution of the skin tumor, differences reported decades ago and confirmed by our hands‑on experience. Using mouse models in preclinical testing is important due to the fact that, at the molecular level, common mechanisms with human cutaneous tumorigenesis are depicted. These animal models resemble human skin cancer development, in that genetic changes caused by carcinogens and pro‑inflammatory cytokines, and simultaneous inflammation sustained by pro‑inflammatory cytokines and chemokines favor tumor progression. Drugs and environmental conditions can be tested using these animal models. keeping in mind the differences between human and rodent skin physiology.

Circadian rhythm of tumor promotion in the two-stage model of mouse tumorigenesis

The question of whether cancer risk is influenced by time-of-day exposure to potentially carcinogenic agents was approached in this study by exposing mouse skin to a single initiating dose of 7,12-dimethylbenz [A-]anthracene, followed by a 12 week regime of bi-weekly skin treatments with the tumor promoter, 12-0-tetradecanoyl-phorbol acetate (TPA), given at four different circadian clock times (CCTs). Tumor incidence, average number of tumors per mouse and tumor size showed a dominant circadian component with an acrophase occurring at 23:00 h CCT. Pre-treatment with all trans-retinoic acid, prior to bi-weekly TPA promotion, reduced tumor incidence, average number and size of tumors per animal by greater than 80%, but did not suppress the underlying circadian rhythm of sensitivity to TPA-induced tumor formation.

Effect of glycerol on cell kinetics and tumorigenesis in mouse lung following urethan administration

Extending previous studies, we hypothesized that glycerol modulates pulmonary tumorigenesis in mice through metabolic activation in bronchiolar cells. To test this, we examined the effects of glycerol on pulmonary cell kinetics and tumorigenesis induced by urethan. Male ddY mice were given 1 mg/g urethan and/or 5% glycerol solution for a fixed period. [3H]Thymidine autoradiography revealed that glycerol administration significantly suppressed the urethan-induced facilitation of cell kinetics of the bronchiolar cells (p less than 0.05), but not that of the alveolar wall cells. Furthermore, glycerol did not affect urethan-induced pulmonary tumorigenesis. These findings suggest that glycerol modifies the metabolism of carcinogens in the bronchiolar epithelium.

Organic acids and bases: review of toxicological studies

Organic acids and bases are among the most frequently used chemicals in the manufacturing industries. However, the toxicology of only a number of them has been fully characterized, and for fewer still have occupational exposure limits been established. This paper reviews the acute and chronic toxicity data of the organic acids and bases, and considers the mechanism by which these chemicals produce their effects. A methodology for establishing preliminary occupational exposure limits based on the physicochemical properties of these chemicals is presented. Workplace exposure limits for 20 organic acids and bases which currently have no exposure guidelines are suggested. Advice regarding appropriate medical treatment of exposure to these materials is discussed.

Regulation of gene expression by tumor promoters

Tumor promoters change the program of genes expressed in cells in culture and in the multicellular organism. The growing list of genes that are induced or repressed includes protooncogenes, transcription factors, secreted proteases and viruses. Most of the regulation is at the level of transcription. Several of the cis-acting promoter elements mediating regulation, the transcription factors binding to these elements and their post-translational activation, as well as some of the initial steps of the interaction of cells with tumor promoters have been characterized. The components of the signal transduction chain to the nucleus are, however, still unknown. Mutant and inhibitor studies suggest that the activation or inactivation of certain genes constitute the basis for the development of the tumor promotion phenotype.

The carcinogenic properties of topical PUVA. A lifelong study in mice

The tumorigenic properties of topical methoxsalen (8-MOP) and trioxsalen (TMP) plus ultraviolet light A (UVA) were studied in NMRI female mice. The animals were treated three times weekly for 9 months, and followed up for 18 months. Acetonic solutions of TMP (0.1 mg in 0.2 ml) and 8-MOP (0.6 mg in 0.2 ml) were applied to the shaved back skin of the mice and irradiated with UVA. The doses needed to elicit equivalent phototoxic effects were 0.29 J/cm2 in the TMP group and 1.09 J/cm2 in the 8-MOP group. Papillomas, keratoacanthomas, and squamous cell carcinomas developed in the 8-MOP group only, and the first tumor was seen at 10 months after the beginning of the study. The results suggest that the carcinogenicity of these two modes of photochemotherapy may differ.

Defective responses of transformed keratinocytes to terminal differentiation stimuli. Their role in epidermal tumour promotion by phorbol esters and by deep skin wounding

Epidermal tumourigenesis can be achieved in rodents by the application of a single subthreshold dose of a carcinogen (initiation) followed by repeated applications of a tumour promoter such as 12-0-tetradecanoyl phorbol, 13-acetate (TPA). TPA induces terminal differentiation in the majority of epidermal keratinocytes in vitro. However, transformed keratinocytes respond weakly to this terminal differentiation signal, and it is suggested that this property allows initiated cells and their progeny to obtain a selective advantage over their normal counterparts during promotion of papilloma formation by TPA. New data are reviewed which suggest that a putative wound hormone TGF-beta has similar differential effects on normal and transformed epithelial cells to those of TPA. It is proposed that the release of TGF-beta from platelets following deep skin wounding may be an explanation as to why wounding is a promoting stimulus but milder forms of epidermal injury are not. Weakly promoting hyperplasiogenic agents are also discussed within the context of a selection theory of tumour promotion.

Are free radicals involved in tumor promotion?

Previously it was shown that lipophilic analogs of a free-radical scavenger, 2(3)-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole (BHA), inhibit ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity which is induced by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) in mouse epidermis. With regard to this antitumor-promoting effect, eight analogs of BHA (2- and 3-BHA, 2-t-butyl-1, 4-dimethoxybenzene methyl-BHA), t-butylhydroquinone (t-BHQ), p-hydroquinone (HQ), 4-hydroxyanisole, phenol and 2-t-butylphenol) are evaluated herein for their antioxidant capacities for scavenging superoxide anions (O-2), of inhibiting lipid peroxidation and of inhibiting chemiluminescence (CL) in TPA-activated polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs), an event associated with oxy-radical production. None of the analogs reacted with O-2, while 2- and 3-BHA suppressed the formation of O-2 by TPA-activated PMNs. T-BHQ underwent autoxidation in aqueous solution, reducing molecular oxygen and increasing the levels of O-2 that were formed chemically, enzymatically and cellularly. However, all of the phenolic antioxidant analogs of BHA inhibited TPA-stimulated CL in PMNs and ascorbate-initiated lipid peroxidation, while methyl-BHA (a non-antioxidant analog) was inactive. The inhibitory activities of these analogs for lipid peroxidation were related to both their lipophilic and antioxidant properties and corresponded favorably with their inhibitory activities for TPA-induced ODC activities in mouse epidermis. On the other hand, inhibition of the CL response by these antioxidants was independent of their lipophilicity and compared less favorably with their capacities to antagonize phorbol ester-induced ODC activity. These results imply that lipophilic BHA analogs inhibit TPA-induced ODC activity by scavenging free radicals other than O-2. Furthermore, the fact that t-BHQ was the most potent inhibitor of CL, lipid peroxidation and ODC activity and simultaneously reduced molecular oxygen, suggests the possibility that O-2 may act as a precursor to the formation of free radicals which are reactive with t-BHQ and more directly involved in the process of tumor promotion.

Inhibition of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced increase in vascular permeability in mouse skin by lipoxygenase inhibitors

The painting of mouse dorsal skin with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) (0.2-2.5 nmol/mouse) induced a dose-related increase in vascular permeability, which was determined by pontamine sky blue exudation into the skin 5 hr after the TPA treatment. Marked infiltration of neutrophils in the dermal interstitium was also observed 5 hr after TPA treatment. Treatment of mice with nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) (10 mumol/mouse). 2,3,5-trimethyl-6-(12-hydroxy-5,10-dodecadiynyl)-1,4-benzoquinone (AA861) (10 mumol/mouse) and quercetin (3 mumol/mouse) significantly inhibited the TPA-induced dye exudation. However, indomethacin (250-1000 nmol/mouse) tended to inhibit the TPA-induced dye exudation, but the inhibition was not statistically significant. Treatment with AA861 (10 mumol/mouse) also caused a marked inhibition of TPA-induced neutrophil infiltration. Quercetin, NDGA and AA861 inhibited epidermal lipoxygenase activity, but indomethacin failed to inhibit it. On the other hand, indomethacin inhibited epidermal cyclooxygenase, but quercetin, NDGA and AA861 failed to inhibit it. The present study suggests involvement of a lipoxygenase product(s) in the mechanism of the TPA-induced increase in vascular permeability in the dorsal skin of mice.

Regeneration and the mechanism of epidermal tumor promotion

Chemically induced epidermal carcinogenesis is often divided into two stages: initiation, which involves the conversion of some epidermal cells into latent neoplastic cells, and promotion, which allows the evolution of this neoplastic change into the formation of a neoplasm. The hallmark of epidermal tumor promotion is the transformation of the normal epidermis into a hyperplastic epidermis. A major unanswered question about epidermal tumor promotion is whether the epidermal hyperplasia that characterizes promoted skin is a regenerative epidermal hyperplasia resulting from damage produced by the promoter. The opinion currently held is that the epidermal hyperplasia produced by tumor promoters is not simply a regenerative epidermal hyperplasia and possesses characteristics which a regenerative hyperplasia does not have, enabling it to evolve into an epidermal neoplasm. The purpose of this review is to present recent evidence which strongly suggests that promoter-induced epidermal hyperplasia is a regenerative hyperplasia. Three principal lines of evidence are reviewed. The first demonstrates that an epidermal regenerative hyperplasia repeatedly produced by wounding or abrasion can promote epidermal carcinogenesis in the initiated skin of mice. The second line of evidence demonstrates that the epidermal hyperplasia produced by the application of 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA), the most powerful and widely used promoter of skin carcinogenesis, is preceded by damage to the epidermis. This strongly suggests that the epidermal hyperplasia which ensues is a regenerative hyperplasia. Thirdly, evidence is presented which demonstrates that hyperplasia-producing agents which do not promote, produce an epidermal hyperplasia which is different from that produced by tumor promoters. Finally, the review discusses the evidence which suggests that the production of a hyperplasia may be the mechanism for tumor promotion in other organs, such as the liver, bladder, and intestine.

Promotion of epidermal carcinogenesis by repeated damage to mouse skin

Chemically induced epidermal carcinogenesis is usually divided into two stages: initiation, which involves the conversion of some epidermal cells into latent neoplastic cells; and promotion, which results in tumors. The hallmark of chemical promoters is epidermal hyperplasia. The hyperplasia caused by a strong promoter, such as 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), differs morphologically from that caused by weak promoters, such as acetic acid and mezerin. The epidermal regeneration that follows abrasion results in a hyperplastic epidermis that resembles the effects of strong promoters. Repeated mechanical injuries are capable of enhancing papillomas and carcinomas in mouse skin initiated with 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA). Thus, a regenerative epidermal hyperplasia appears to be a precondition for tumor promotion. It is highly probable that many epidermal cells are initiated during the lifetime of man. In the work place, repeated mechanical injury could predispose to epidermal neoplasms.

A unifying concept for carcinogenic risk assessments

Carcinogens influence both the initiation of abnormal cells and the subsequent promotion of such cells into neoplasia. Certain other insults seem limited to the stimulation of cellular proliferation and of carcinogenic potentiation. Common examples include surgical, mechanical, chemical, and temperature wounding of tissue followed by healing. In addition, certain hyperplastic growth induced by some chemicals may also enhance tumorigenesis. We propose that the quantification of carcinogenic potentiation may derive from a common-index-quantity estimated according to enhanced cell proliferation resulting from cytotoxicity or toxic hyperplasia induced by a specific exposure. At this time, it is not possible to define, in a restrictive sense, the molecular events which are critical to potentiation but the processes of cell proliferation resulting from cytotoxicity/hyperplasia seem to serve as indices which contain the necessary (and perhaps several secondary) biological responses. The unique advantage is that cell-culture, animal, and human-level studies can be used to evaluate certain parameters of the mathematical model for an untested treatment protocol or chemical insult suspected to be a cofactor in tumorigenesis. The main thrust of this paper is to propose that tumorigenesis should be studied in terms of cellular-population kinetics in response to a biological challenge rather than according to chemical or energetic parameters of that challenge. This approach leads to mathematical equations which can serve as a unifying concept for carcinogenic risk assessments. Sample results, to illustrate the utility of this model, are given for polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, trace metals, ionizing radiations, CO, NO, SO2, O3, and NO2. Treatment, here, is for acute exposure conditions, but because the model is mechanistic, other exposure protocols can be addressed by simply adjusting some of the mathematical parameters according to factors estimated from a relative potency comparison of in vitro and in vivo studies best suited to the particular application of interest.

An inhibitory effect of tumour promoters on human epithelial cell growth can be dissociated from an effect on junctional communication

Studies with rodent cells have indicated that the abilities of various tumour promoters to inhibit metabolic cooperation correlate with their potencies as mitogens. Here we have examined the effects of the most potent phorbol ester tumour promoter 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA), on metabolic cooperation and growth of human epidermal cells transformed by SV40 (SVK14 cells). In this system, TPA inhibits junctional communication and at the same concentration also inhibits growth in a reversible fashion. These effects appear to be mediated by binding of phorbol ester to a single class of high affinity binding site with a Kd similar to that reported for rodent cells (Kd = 20.9 nM at 4 degrees C). Further studies on the effects of phorbol esters on other human epithelial cell lines reveal that the inhibitory effects of TPA on growth and metabolic cooperation may be completely dissociated. Alternative mechanisms by which TPA may exert its growth-inhibitory effects are discussed.

Antitumor agents LV: Effects of genkwadaphnin and yuanhuacine on nucleic acid synthesis of P-388 lymphocytic leukemia cells

The diterpene esters, genkwadaphnin and yuanhuacine, have been shown to possess significant antileukemic activity in the P-388 screen. The major metabolic effects of the diterpene esters were on DNA and protein synthesis. The effects on DNA synthesis in vitro were evoked at a lower concentration than that required for protein synthesis inhibition. The sites in DNA synthesis which were inhibited were DNA polymerase and purine synthesis. In the latter pathway the enzyme activities inhibited were phosphoribosyl aminotransferase, inosinic acid dehydrogenase, and dihydrofolate reductase. In vivo administration of the diterpene esters at 0.8 mg/kg afforded identical types of effects on purine and DNA synthesis and in addition suppressed histone phosphorylation and reduced the number of surviving tumor cells. The in vivo effects on purine and DNA synthesis were evident as early as 6 and 24 hr after administration of a single dose of the diterpene esters.

Epidermal-dermal junction during experimental skin carcinogenesis and cocarcinogenesis as revealed by scanning electron microscopy

During epidermal carcinogenesis important changes in the epidermal-dermal junction take place. Because of methodological difficulties may be these changes, especially those concerned with three-dimensional organization of the junction, remain unsatisfactorily investigated. To obtain new information, we studied with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) the development of carcinogenic changes in the epidermis of mice induced by DMBA-TPA, DMBA alone, and by the cocarcinogen TPA alone. We correlated the results with those from transmission electron microscopy and light microscopy. Although the epidermal changes morphologically showed similarities, biologically they differed. With them, distinct changes in the epidermal-dermal junction developed, that could be followed through early, hyperplastic and neoplastic phases. With the SEM the first changes were seen in the basal layer of the epidermis and concerned the cell arrangement. SEM provided information about the localization and development of incipient epidermal carcinomas induced by DMBA-TPA and DMBA treatment, as well as about the changes in the basal lamina. These can be classified by their surface, their extent and their frequency throughout large regions. Our studies indicate that these changes vary greatly, depending upon the treatment used and the time of their development. Only the progressive disintegration of the basal lamina is characteristic of carcinogenesis.

Measurement of blood flow and vascular permeability changes in response to 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate and to asbestos fibers

The hyperemia (increased blood flow) and vascular permeability changes induced in rabbit skin by the tumor promoter 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate and by asbestos fibers have been quantitated. The resultant hyperemia, measured with radiolabeled microspheres, was inhibited in both cases by steroidal and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Since the inflammatory responses resulting from exposure to these agents might be important for the subsequent development of neoplasms, it is proposed that such a specific and quantitative technique be used to analyze the components of these inflammatory responses in more detail.

Tumor promotion by abrasion induced epidermal hyperplasia in the skin of mice

Regenerative epidermal hyperplasia produced by repeated abrasion every 21 days of the skin of female mice after initiation with 7, 12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene results in the appearance of epidermal tumors. Full thickness wounds, approximately 2 cm in length, made every 14 days in mouse skin initiated with 7, 12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene also results in the appearance of epidermal tumors adjacent to the wound edge. Repeated abrasion or wounding of normal female mouse skin does not result in the appearance of epidermal tumors. Repeated plucking of initiated mouse skin, which produces a milder epidermal hyperplasia than abrasion, does not result in the appearance of tumors. The data demonstrate that regenerative epidermal hyperplasia, of a sufficient intensity, can act as a tumor promoter.

Cutaneous chemical carcinogenesis: past, present, and future

Skin tumors chemically induced in mice have provided an important experimental model for studying carcinogenesis and for bioassaying carcinogenic agents. The information obtained from this model suggests that the events leading to tumor formation can be divided into at least two stages, initiation and promotion. A single small dose of carinogen produces initiation which appears to be irreversible. These initiating agents may have to be metabolically activated and can interact with cellular macromolecules. The extent to which they bind to DNA correlates well with their carcinogenicity. Increased DNA replication at the time of or during the first day after these agents have been applied appears to enhance carcinogenesis. Unlike initiation, promotion appears to be reversible and the promoting agents must be applied repeatedly before tumors are formed. Promoters interact with membranes, stimulate and alter genetic expression, and increase the rate of cell proliferation. The knowledge gained from these studies in mouse skin has immeasurably helped the entire field of chemical carcinogenesis. But efforts to determine the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the carcinogenic process, particularly in the skin, have been hampered by the difficulties of working on whole animals and by the special problems associated with the biologic and biochemical methods required for this target organ. Such problems, however, can be solved by the use of cell cultures of mouse epidermis which can metabolize and bind carcinogens just as is done in vivo. The fact that epidermal cells in vitro proliferate synchronously should facilitate the study of the relation between the cell cycle and carcinogenesis. These cells repair chemically induced DNA damage by at least two mechanisms, excision repair and base-specific repair. When epidermal cells in vitro are exposed to promoting agents, a proliferative response analogous to that in vivo is elicited, apparently mediated through control of polyamine metabolism. Neoplastic transformation has been induced in these cultures by known skin carcinogens.

Epidermal growth factor enhancement of skin tumor induction in mice

Subcutaneous injection of epidermal growth factor 1. significantly shortened the latency period for the appearance of methylcholanthrene induced skin tumors and 2. increased the average number of papillomas elicited per mouse in both the Swiss Webster and C3HeB/FeJ strains.

Some mechanisms operative in carcinogenesis a review

Multiple factors contribute to the development of neoplasia. Sometimes a single agency can bring about a tumour if it has many different effects, but at other times a tumour arises more insidiously due to a succession of events [240,241] which by themselves may be innocent. Alterations in the genome of the cell are at the fore-front of our interest because they can be brought about by most of the carcinogenic agents we know. The cell can repair some such alterations but both forward and destructive mutations do appear. The roles of cell proliferation, cell differentiation, the immune mechanism and carcinogen-activating enzymes are beginning to be understood. The effects of dose, route of administration, and of other agents given at the same time [242-245] must not be lost sight of. Other factors no doubt will be added as we begin to look at the structure and function of cell-surface membranes [246-248], at host susceptibility genetics [26, 249], and at the generation of carcinogens inside the body [250,251]. We are only beginning to understand carcinogenesis. In no single instance do we as yet know how a tumour comes about in full details of molecular biology. It is possible that fully rational treatment of cancer will not be possible until we have such an understanding. Once a tumour becomes independent of carcinogenic factors, it continues to develop in a bizarre fashion which makes its study and treatment by all means other than surgery difficult.

Induction of liver cell adenomata in the rat by a single treatment with N-methyl-N-nitrosourea given at various times after partial hepatectomy

A single treatment of adult animals with the potent carcinogen NMU was known to induce tumours in a wide variety of organs, with the notable exception of liver. Administration of NMU after partial hepatectomy gave rise to the first liver cell adenomata ever observed in rats due to this carcinogen. The tumours were induced when NMU was given during the period of increased DNA synthesis but not when given early in the pre-replicative period. Although tumours were induced in other organs, the incidence of these did not correlate with the timing of NMU administration. It is suggested that replication of damaged DNA may be a relevant event in carcinogenesis.

Hydroxyurea: suppression of two-stage carcinogensis in mouse skin

Hydroxyurea, a selective cytotoxic agent for cells in DNA synthesis, injected intraperitoneally at 24 and 48 hours after the first painting with 1 percent croton oil, significantly reduced the tumor yield in the two-stage chemical carcinlogenesis in mouse skin. A comparable group of mice receiving hydroxyurea only once at 24 hours had a tumor induction similar to that in controls.