Tumor-promoting activity of 2,6-dimethylaniline in a two-stage nasal carcinogenesis model in N-bis (2-hydroxypropyl)nitrosamine-treated rats

The potential promotion activity on nasal carcinogenesis of 2,6-dimethylani line (DMA), an alpha(2)-adrenergic agonist metabolite of xylazine which is used for food-producing animals as a sedative agent, was examined. Male F34 4 rats received diet containing 0 or 3000 ppm DMA for 52 weeks after initia tion with N-bis(2-hydroxypropyl)nitrosamine (DHPN). Histopathological asses sment showed the incidence of carcinomas in the DHPN+DMA group (33%) to be significantly elevated as compared with that for the DHPN-alone group (5%). Incidences and/or multiplicity of epithelial hyperplasias and dysplastic f oci were also increased in the DHPN+DMA group. These lesions were exclusive ly observed in the olfactory mucosa. The lowest plasma levels of DMA in tum or- and dysplastic foci-bearing rats were 0.05 and 0.20 mu g/ml, respective ly. These results indicate that DHPN acts as an appropriate initiator for n asal carcinogenesis and that DMA exerts a tumor-promoting effect on the olf actory mucosa in the rat nasal cavity. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Lt d. All rights reserved.