The effect of dietary quercetin (Q) was evaluated in rats treated with
nitrosomethylurea (NMU). Pancreatic nodules and focal acinar cell hyp
erplasias were observed in groups treated with NMU (87%) and Q-NMU (10
0%). Although rats with dysplastic foci (27%) were found in the NMU-tr
eated group, Q-NMU treatment resulted in a significantly higher number
of rats with dysplastic foci (73%). Furthermore, carcinomas in situ (
12%) and one microcarcinoma (4%) were found in these animals. Mitosis
was significantly increased and apoptosis was diminished in focal acin
ar cell hyperplasias of the Q-NMU group. Our present results support a
promoting and progressing effect of quercetin in the NMU model of rat
pancreatic carcinogenesis. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All
rights reserved.