Effects of different types of diet and sodium saccharin on proliferation at the limiting ridge of the rat forestomach

Sodium saccharin, at high doses in the diet, has been reported to cause hyperplasia of the forestomach (squamous portion of stomach), at the limiting ridge in F344 rats, in addition to its potential to induce proliferative effects on the urinary bladder epithelium. We have characterized this hyperplasia of the squamous epithelium of the forestomach at the limiting ridge in F344 and Sprague-Dawley rats given various doses of sodium saccharin for 4 to 95 wk. With increasing doses of sodium saccharin, the limiting ridge of the forestomach showed dose-related morphological changes: basal-cell hyperplasia, early papillary hyperplasia with basal-cell hyperplasia and papillary hyperplasia. Calcium saccharin in Prolab diet caused hyperplasia of the forestomach at the limiting ridge, similar to that caused by sodium saccharin. The severity of hyperplasia was influenced by the type of diet and by the strain of rats. AIN-76A diet without added sodium saccharin caused basal-cell hyperplasia in F344 rats, whereas Prolab, Purina and NIH-07 diets without added sodium saccharin had little or no effect on the forestomach. The effect of AIN-76A diet alone persisted through 95 wk of feeding without any evidence of tumour formation. In Sprague-Dawley rats, which appeared more sensitive to effects on the forestomach than F344 rats, Prolab 3200 and Purina diets without sodium saccharin caused basal-cell hyperplasia in more than half of the treated rats. The forestomach hyperplasia associated with AIN-76A or saccharin administration appears to be mild, limited in extent to the limiting ridge, and not associated with carcinogenesis.     

Urolithiasis and bladder carcinogenicity of melamine in rodents

Melamine (2,4,6-triamino-s-triazine) was administered in the diet to F344 rats or B6C3F₁ mice for 13 weeks (subchronic) or for 103 weeks (chronic) to determine its toxicologic profile, including carcinogenic potential in the chronic study. The dose levels of melamine in the subchronic studies ranged from 750 to 18,000 ppm for rats, and 6000 to 18,000 ppm for mice. In the chronic studies the dose levels of melamine were 2250 or 4500 ppm for male rats and mice of each sex, and 4500 or 9000 ppm for female rats. In these studies, compound-related lesions were observed in the urinary tract. Most noticeable was the development of uroliths (urinary bladder stones), which occurred at a greater frequency in males than females of either species. Increased incidences of urinary bladder stones and hyperplasia of the bladder epithelium were observed at 13 weeks in male rats fed diets containing melamine. In the chronic study, transitional-cell carcinomas in the urinary bladder of male rats occurred at a significantly (p ≤ 0.016) higher incidence in the 4500 ppm (high dose) group ($\text{8}\text{49}$) than in the controls ($\text{0}\text{45}$). Seven of the eight male rats with transitional-cell carcinomas of the urinary bladder also had bladder stones. There was a statistically significant association (p ≤ 0.001) between bladder stones and bladder tumors in male rats fed melamine (4500 ppm). Urinary bladder tumors were not observed in the low-dose (2250 ppm) male rat group, while bladder stones were observed in one rat in this group. In the female rat chronic study, chronic inflammation of the kidney was observed at an increased incidence (relative to controls) in both the low (4500 ppm) and high (9000 ppm) dose groups. Ulceration of the bladder epithelium was observed in male and female mice in the 13-week study. The distribution of these toxic lesions was not correlated statistically with the distribution of urinary bladder stones. Acute and chronic inflammation and epithelial hyperplasia of the urinary bladder were found in increased incidence in dosed male mice (2250 and 4500 ppm) in the chronic study. In addition, a high incidence of urinary bladder stones was observed in dosed male mice relative to controls. However, there was no evidence of bladder tumor development in this species.     

Dimethylarsinic acid: results of chronic toxicity/oncogenicity studies in F344 rats and in B6C3F1 mice

Dimethylarsinic acid (DMA(V), cacodylic acid), a foliar herbicide, was administered in the diet to B6C3F1 mice (at dose levels of 0, 8, 40, 200, and 500 ppm) and to F344 rats (at dose levels of 0, 2, 10, 40, and 100 ppm) for 2 years, according to US EPA guidelines. In mice, there were no treatment-related tumors observed at any site. Treatment-related progressive glomerulonephropathy and nephrocalcinosis were observed in the kidneys in both sexes. The incidence of vacuolation of the epithelium in the urinary bladder was increased in both sexes, but was not associated with cytotoxicity, necrosis or hyperplasia. Based on non-neoplastic lesions found in the urinary bladder, the NOEL for mice was assessed to be 40 ppm in males and 8 ppm in females. In rats, treatment-related mortality occurred early in the study in five males in the 100 ppm group and in one male in the 40 ppm group. Papillomas and carcinomas with degeneration of the urothelium, necrosis and urothelial cell hyperplasia, were found in the urinary bladders of both sexes. In male rats, one papilloma was found in each of the 10 and 40 ppm groups; one urothelial cell carcinoma was found in the 2 ppm group and two in the 100 ppm group. Four papillomas and six urothelial cell carcinomas were found in the female 100 ppm group. Non-neoplastic treatment-related kidney lesions were confined to the 40 and 100 ppm levels and included necrosis, pyelonephritis, medullary nephrocalcinosis and tubular cystic dilation, hyperplasia of the epithelial lining of the papilla, and pelvic urothelial cell hyperplasia. All of these kidney changes appear to be related to an increase in the aging nephropathy of the rat. Dose-related increases in the height of the thyroid follicular epithelium were also noted in males and females, however, such changes reflect an adaptive response of the thyroid to decreased levels of circulating thyroid hormone, rather than an adverse effect. Based on the kidney and bladder lesions, the NOEL for non-neoplastic and neoplastic lesions was considered to be 10 ppm in males and females. Based on these studies, DMA(V) is carcinogenic only in rats and only at relatively high doses, with the urinary bladder as the target organ. Female rats appear to be more sensitive to the effects of DMA(V) than male rats. DMA(V) is not carcinogenic in mice.     

Toxicological evaluation of 4-vinylcyclohexene. II. Induction of ovarian tumors in female B6C3F1 mice by chronic oral administration of 4-vinylcyclohexene

4-Vinylcyclohexene (VCH), a dimer of 1,3-butadiene present in the gases discharged during tire curing, was examined for its toxic and carcinogenic effects in Fischer 344 (F344) rats and B6C3F1 mice by 2-yr chronic testing. VCH was administered orally by gavage in corn oil at doses of 0 (vehicle control), 200, or 400 mg/kg body weight to groups of 50 F344 rats and B6C3F1 mice of each sex for 103 wk (5 d/wk). Because the studies of VCH in male and female rats and in male mice were considered to be inadequate studies of carcinogenicity due to the extensive and early mortality at the high dose or both doses tested, as well as the lack of conclusive evidence of a carcinogenic effect, the present article focuses on the results of the 2-yr study of VCH in female B6C3F1 mice. Survival of high-dose female mice was lower (p less than 0.001) than that of the vehicle controls, whereas survival of low-dose and survival of vehicle control female mice were comparable. Mean body weights of high-dose female mice were generally slightly lower than those of the vehicle controls, whereas the mean body weights of low-dose female mice were generally greater than or comparable to those of the vehicle controls. Oral administration of VCH by gavage to female B6C3F1 mice was associated with an increased incidence of a number of nonneoplastic lesions, including mild acute inflammatory lesions and epithelial hyperplasia of the forestomach, congestion of the lungs and adrenal glands at the high dose, and cytologic alteration of the adrenal cortex at both doses. However, the most striking finding was the markedly increased (p less than 0.01) incidences of uncommon ovarian neoplasms, including mixed benign tumors, granulosa-cell tumors, and granulosa-cell tumors or carcinomas (combined), in both groups of dosed female mice. In addition, the increased incidence of adrenal-gland capsular adenomas in high-dose female mice may have been compound-related.     

Pathology of BHA- and BHT-induced lesions

The pathology lesions from three studies, two with butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and one with butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), are reviewed. When BHA was fed at 0.5 and 2.0% of the diet to F344 rats for two years, there was an increase in epithelial hyperplasia of the forestomach at both treatment levels. Papilloma and squamous-cell carcinoma of the forestomach were increased at the 2.0% level. When BHA was fed to beagle dogs at 1.0 and 1.3% of the diet for 180 days, no lesions/tumours of the distal oesophagus or stomach could be identified either at gross necropsy or by light or electron microscopy. The BHT was fed to Wistar rats at 0, 25, 100 and 250 mg/kg body weight. At the highest dose there was an increase in the number of rats with hepatocellular adenoma and with hepatocellular carcinoma.     

Lesions of the Urinary Tract Produced in Fischer 344 Rats and B6C3F1 Mice After Chronic Administration of 11-Aminoundecanoic Acid

Lesions of the Urinary Tract Produced in Fischer 344 Rats andB6C3F₁ Mice After Chronic Administration of 11-AminoundecanoicAcid. Dunnick, J.K., Huff, James E., Haseman, J.K. and Boorman,G.A. (1983). Fundam. Appl. Toxicol. 3:614–618. 11-Aminoundecanoicacid, the monomer of nylon 11, was toxic to the urinary tractof both male and female B6C3F₁ mice and Fischer 344 rats, whenadministered in the diet at 7500 or 15 000 ppm for 103–104weeks. Dose-related effects included a decrease in mean bodyweight gain and in survival for male rats and for mice of eachsex; increased incidence of hyperplasia of the transitionalepithelium of the kidney in rats of each sex; increased incidenceof calcification of the kidney in the female rats; increasedincidence of hyperplasia of the urinary bladder in male rats;and mineralization of the kidney in mice of each sex. Transitionalcell carcinomas of the urinary bladder of the male rat occurredwith increased frequency in the high-dose group (control, 0/48;low-dose, 0/48; high-dose, 7/49). Additional evidence for carcinogenicityin the male rat was seen in the liver, where an increased frequencyof neoplastic nodules was found in the treated animals (controls,1/50; low-dose, 9/50; high-dose, 8/50). Therefore, under theconditions of these studies, 11-aminoundecanoic acid was carcinogenicfor male Fischer 344 rats, inducing transitional cell carcinomasin the urinary bladder and neoplastic nodules in the liver.The test chemical was not demonstrated to be carcinogenic forfemale Fischer 344 rats or for B6C3F₁ mice of either sex.     

NTP toxicology and carcinogensis Studies of 2,4-hexadienal (89% trans,trans isomer, CAS No. 142-83-6; 11% cis,trans isomer) (Gavage Studies)

2,4-Hexadienal, a colorless to yellow liquid with a pungent "green" or citrus odor, is used as a food additive for flavor enhancement, as a fragrance agent, as a starting material or intermediate in synthetic reactions in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, as a fumigant, and as a corrosion inhibitor for steel. 2,4-Hexadienal was nominated for study by the National Cancer Institute because of the potential for carcinogenicity based on its alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehyde structure and the potential link between exposure to lipid peroxidation products in the diet and human malignancies. The commercial product is a mixture containing chiefly trans,trans-2,4-hexadienal in equilibrium with cis,trans-2,4-hexadienal. Male and female F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice received 2,4-hexadienal (89% trans,trans; 11% cis,trans) in corn oil by gavage for 16 days, 14 weeks, or 2 years. Tissues and plasma from dosed rats were examined for malondialdehyde and glutathione concentrations, and DNA adducts were characterized in liver and forestomach samples from dosed rats and mice. Genetic toxicology studies were conducted in Salmonella typhimurium, rat and mouse bone marrow cells, and mouse peripheral blood erythrocytes. 16-DAY STUDY IN RATS: Groups of five male and five female rats were administered 0, 3, 9, 27, 80, or 240 mg 2,4-hexadienal/kg body weight in corn oil by gavage, 5 days per week, for 16 days. Three male and three female 240 mg/kg rats died before the end of the study. Mean body weight gains of 240 mg/kg rats were significantly less than those of the vehicle controls. Clinical findings included diarrhea, ataxia, lethargy, and nasal/eye discharge in males, and lethargy, paleness, and abnormal breathing in females in the 240 mg/kg groups. Liver weights of 240 mg/kg females were significantly greater than those of the vehicle controls. Gross and microscopic lesions indicative of forestomach necrosis and ulceration were present in most 240 mg/kg rats, and forestomach epithelial hyperplasia was microscopically evident in most 80 mg/kg rats. 16-DAY STUDY IN MICE: Groups of five male and five female mice were administered 2,4-hexadienal in corn oil by gavage at doses of 0, 3, 9, 27, 80, or 240 mg/kg, 5 days per week, for 16 days. Chemical-related deaths occurred in one male and one female in the 240 mg/kg groups. Female mice in the 240 mg/kg group lost weight during the study. Gross and microscopic lesions indicative of forestomach necrosis and ulceration were present in all 240 mg/kg mice, and forestomach epithelial hyperplasia and hyperkeratosis were microscopically evident in 80 mg/kg mice. 14-WEEK STUDY IN RATS: Groups of 10 male and 10 female rats were administered 2,4-hexadienal in corn oil by gavage at doses of 0, 7.5, 15, 30, 60, or 120 mg/kg, 5 days per week, for 14 weeks. All rats survived to the end of the study. Mean body weights of 30, 60, and 120 mg/kg males were significantly less than those of the vehicle controls. The only clinical finding attributed to 2,4-hexadienal administration was hypersalivation in 30 and 120 mg/kg males and females. The incidences of forestomach hyperplasia and nasal olfactory atrophy or necrosis were significantly increased in 120 mg/kg rats. Nasal lesions occurred in most 120 mg/kg male rats. 14-WEEK STUDY IN MICE: Groups of 10 male and 10 female mice were administered 2,4-hexadienal in corn oil by gavage at doses of 0, 7.5, 15, 30, 60, or 120 mg/kg, 5 days per week, for 14 weeks. No deaths were attributed to administration of 2,4-hexadienal. Mean body weights of males and females were similar to those of the vehicle controls throughout the study. Clinical findings included salivation and anal wetness in males and females. Kidney weights of 60 and 120 mg/kg males and liver weights of 60 mg/kg males and females were significantly greater than those of the vehicle controls. The incidences of forestomach hyperplasia and/or nasal olfactory atrophy or necrosis were significantly increased in 120 mg/kg mice. 2-YEAR STUDY IN RATS: Groups of 50 male and 50 female rats were administered 2,4-hexministered 2,4-hexadienal in corn oil by gavage at doses of 0, 22.5, 45, or 90 mg/kg, 5 days per week, for up to 105 weeks. Survival of all dosed groups of rats was similar to that of the vehicle control groups. The mean body weights of 90 mg/kg males were generally less than those of the vehicle controls throughout the study. The incidences of squamous cell papilloma of the forestomach occurred with positive trends in male and female rats. This neoplasm was found in 58% of males and 34% of females in the 90 mg/kg groups. In the forestomach of male rats, papilloma multiplicity was increased in the 90 mg/kg group, and squamous cell carcinomas were found in one 45 mg/kg male and two 90 mg/kg males. Epithelial hyperplasia of the forestomach occurred in most 45 and 90 mg/kg rats. 2-YEAR STUDY IN MICE: Groups of 50 male and 50 female mice were administered 2,4-hexadienal in corn oil by gavage at doses of 0, 30, 60, or 120 mg/kg, 5 days per week, for up to 105 weeks. Survival of dosed mice was similar to that of the vehicle controls. The mean body weights of all dosed groups were generally similar to those of the vehicle controls throughout the study. The incidences of squamous cell papilloma of the forestomach occurred with positive trends in male and female mice; squamous cell carcinomas were present in 120 mg/kg males and females. Epithelial hyperplasia of the forestomach occurred in many 120 mg/kg mice. Two 120 mg/kg males had uncommon squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity (tongue). GENETIC TOXICOLOGY: 2,4-Hexadienal was mutagenic in S. typhimurium strain TA100 with and without induced hamster or rat liver enzymes; no mutagenic activity was detected with strains TA1535 or TA98, with or without S9. Results of bone marrow tests in male rats and male mice given intraperitoneal injections of 2,4-hexadienal showed a small increase in the induction of micronucleated erythrocytes. However, neither test was repeated, and the test results were judged to be inconclusive. Results of peripheral blood micronucleus tests in male and female mice treated with 2,4-hexadienal by gavage for 14 weeks were negative. CONCLUSIONS: Under the conditions of these 2-year gavage studies, there was clear evidence of carcinogenic activity* of 2,4-hexadienal in male and female F344/N rats and male and female B6C3F1 mice based on increased incidences of squamous cell neoplasms of the forestomach. The occurrence of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity (tongue) in male B6C3F1 mice may have been related to the administration of 2,4-hexadienal. Hyperplasia of the forestomach in male and female rats and mice was associated with administration of 2,4-hexadienal. Synonyms: Hexa-2,4-dienal; 2,4-hexadienal; 2,4-hexadien-1-al; 2,4-Hx; 1,3-pentadiene-1-carboxaldehyde; 2-propylene acrolein; sorbaldehyde; sorbic aldehyde     

Forestomach tumor induction by 2,4-hexadienal in F344N rats and B6C3F1 mice

2,4-Hexadienal (2,4-Hx) was studied for its toxicity and carcinogenicity because of its , -unsaturated aldehyde structure and potential link between exposure to lipid peroxidation products in the diet and human malignancies. Male and female F344N rats and B6C3F1 mice received 2,4-Hx in corn oil by gavage for 16 days, 14 weeks, or 2 years. In the 16-day studies 2,4-Hx induced forestomach necrosis and ulceration at 240 mg/kg and forestomach epithelial hyperplasia at 80 mg/kg in rats and mice. In the 14-week studies the chemical induced forestomach hyperplasia and nasal olfactory atrophy or necrosis at 120 mg/kg in rats and mice. In the 2-year studies 2,4-Hx induced squamous cell papilloma and carcinoma of the forestomach in male and female rats at 45 and 90 mg/kg and in male and female mice at 120 mg/kg. Two male mice in the 120 mg/kg group had uncommon squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity (tongue). Mechanistic studies indicated that the forestomach carcinogenesis in rats and mice may be due to depletion of glutathione as a result of oxidative stress induced by 2,4-Hx.     

Subchronic Toxicity Studies of t-Butyl Alcohol in Rats and Mice

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the toxicity of t-butylalcohol, an important commodity chemical, an additive to unleadedgasoline, and a contaminant of drinking water. Ninety-day toxicitystudies were conducted in B6C3F1 mice and Fischer 344 (F344)rats of both sexes using dosed water. Dose levels of t-butylalcohol were 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4% (w/v). Lethality wasobserved at the 4% level of both sexes and species. Weight-gaindepression was present in all dose levels of male rats; 4% femalerats; 1, 2, and 4% male mice; and 2 and 4% female mice. Waterconsumption was increased at lower dose levels in male ratsand decreased in the higher dose levels of both sexes of ratsand female mice. Clinical signs in rats were ataxia in bothsexes and hypoactivity in males. Clinical signs in mice wereataxia, abnormal posture, and hypoactivity. In rats, urine volumeswere reduced, in association with crystalluria. Gross lesionsat necropsy were urinary tract calculi, renal pelvic and ureteraldilatation, and thickening of the urinary bladder mucosa. Microscopiclesions were hyperplasia of transitional epithelia and inflammationof the urinary bladder. In male rats treated with t-butyl alcohol,microscopic renal changes were suggestive of -2/i-globulin nephropathy.No-effect levels for the urinary tract lesions were 1% in malerats and mice (803.7 mg/kg/day for the male rats and 1565.8mg/kg/day for the male mice) and 2% in female rats and mice(1451.5 mg/kg/day for the female rats and 4362.9 mg/kg/day forthe female mice). The results indicate that in rodents the urinarytract is the target organ for t-butyl alcohol toxicity, andmales are more sensitive to t-butyl alcohol toxicity than females.     

Subchronic Toxicity of Inhaled Technical Grade 1,3-Dichloropropene in Rats and Mice

Subchronic Toxicity of Inhaled Technical Grade 1,3-Dichloropropenein Rats and Mice. Stott, W. T., Young, J. T., Calhoun, L. L.,and Battjes, J. E., (1988). Fundam. Appl. Toxicol. 11,207–220.In order to provide a comprehensive subchronic inhalation toxicitystudy of the soil fumigant, technical grade 1,3-dichloropropene(DCPT), male and female Fischer 344 rats and B6C3F1 mice wereexposed to 0, 10, 30,90, or 150 ppm DCPT vapors 6 hr/day, 5days/ week for 13 weeks. The primary target tissues of inhaledDCPT were identified as the nasal mucosa of both sexes of ratsand mice, and the urinary bladder of female mice. In addition,depressed growth rates of all animals exposed to 90 or 150 ppmDCPT (up to 20% in rats and 12% in mice) resulted in a varietyof alterations in hematologjc and clinical chemistry parameters,and changes in organ weights relative to controls. Nasal mucosaleffects consisted of a dose-related slight degenerative effectof nasal olfactory epithelium or a mild hyperplasia of the respiratoryepithelium or both in all animals exposed to 90 or 150 ppm and2 of 10 male rats exposed to 30 ppm DCPT. Some focal areas ofrespiratory metaplasia were also noted in high exposure groupmice. Urinary bladder effects consisted of a diffuse, moderatehyperplasia of the transitional epithelium in female mice exposedto 90 or 150 ppm DCPT. No treatment-related effects were observedin rats or mice exposed to 10 ppm DCPT vapors.     

Carcinogenicity and modification of the carcinogenic response by BHA, BHT, and other antioxidants

Carcinogenicity tests showed that addition of the antioxidant BHA to the diet of F344 rats induced high incidences of papilloma and squamous cell carcinoma of the forestomach of both sexes. Male hamsters given BHA for 24 weeks also developed papilloma showing downward growth into the submucosa of the forestomach. These results indicate that BHA should be classified in the category of "sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity" as judged by IARC criteria. The 3-tert isomer of BHA seemed to be responsible for the carcinogenicity of crude BHA in the forestomach of rats. BHT was not found to be carcinogenic in rats or mice. In two-stage carcinogenesis in rats after appropriate initiation, BHA enhanced carcinogenesis in the forestomach and urinary bladder of rats, but inhibited carcinogenesis in the liver. BHT enhanced the induction of urinary bladder tumors and inhibited that of liver tumors, but had no effect on carcinogenesis in the forestomach. BHT could be a promoter of thyroid carcinogenesis. Sodium L-ascorbate enhanced forestomach and urinary bladder carcinogenesis. Ethoxyquin enhanced kidney and urinary bladder carcinogenesis, but inhibited liver carcinogenesis. Thus, these antioxidants modify two-stage chemical carcinogenesis in the forestomach, liver, kidney, urinary bladder, and thyroid, but show organ-specific differences in effects.     

Encephalopathy in rats and nephropathy in rats and mice after subchronic oral exposure to benzaldehyde

Male and female Fischer 344 rats and B6C3F1 mice were treated daily (5 days/wk) with benzaldehyde by gavage either in 12 doses of 0 (vehicle control), 100 (rats only), 200, 400, 800, 1600 or (for mice only) 3200 mg/kg body weight/day (followed by 2 days' observation without treatment), or for 90 days in doses of 0, 50, 100, 200, 400 or 800 mg/kg/day (rats) or 0, 75, 150, 300, 600 or 1200 mg/kg/day (mice). In the acute studies, benzaldehyde induced deaths and decreased body-weight gain in both sexes of rats given 800 or 1600 mg/kg/day and caused deaths in both sexes of mice given 1600 or 3200 mg/kg/day. In the 90-day studies, deaths occurred in both sexes of rats on 800 mg/kg/day and in male mice on 1200 mg/kg/day. Body-weight gain was depressed in male rats on 800 mg/kg/day, in male mice on 600 mg/kg/day and in female mice on 1200 mg/kg/day. Necrotic and degenerative lesions were seen in the cerebellar and hippocampal regions of the brain in both sexes of rats given 800 mg/kg/day, but not in mice. Renal tubular necrosis occurred in male and female rats on 800 mg/kg/day and in male mice on 1200 mg/kg/day. Mild epithelial hyperplasia or hyperkeratosis of the forestomach was seen in male and female rats on 800 mg/kg/day. In this limited study, the no-observed-toxic-effect doses of benzaldehyde administered by gavage were 400 mg/kg/day in male and female rats, 300 mg/kg/day in male mice and 600-1200 mg/kg/day in female mice.     

Toxicology and carcinogenesis studies of microencapsulated trans-cinnamaldehyde in rats and mice.

trans-Cinnamaldehyde is a widely used natural ingredient that is added to foods and cosmetics as a flavoring and fragrance agent. Male and female F344/N rats and B6C3F(1) mice were exposed to microencapsulated trans-cinnamaldehyde in the feed for three months or two years. All studies included untreated and vehicle control groups. In the three-month studies, rats and mice were given diets containing 4100, 8200, 16,500, or 33,000 ppm trans-cinnamaldehyde. In rats, feed consumption was reduced in all exposed groups. In mice, feed consumption was reduced in the highest dose groups. Body weights of all treated males were less than controls. Body weights were reduced in female rats exposed to 16,500 or 33,000 ppm and female mice exposed to 8200 ppm or greater. All rats survived to the end of the study but some male mice in the highest dose groups died due to inanition from unpalatability of the dosed feed. The incidence of squamous epithelial hyperplasia of the forestomach was significantly increased in rats exposed to 8200 ppm or greater and female mice exposed to 33,000 ppm. In mice, the incidence of olfactory epithelial degeneration of the nasal cavity was significantly increased in males and females exposed to 16,500 ppm and females exposed to 33,000 ppm. In the two-year studies, rats and mice were exposed to 1000, 2100, or 4100 ppm trans-cinnamaldehyde. Body weights were reduced in mice exposed to 2100 ppm and in rats and mice exposed to 4100 ppm. In rats, hippuric acid excretion was dose proportional indicating that absorption, metabolism, and excretion were not saturated. No neoplasms were attributed to trans-cinnamaldehyde in rats or mice. Squamous cell papillomas and carcinomas of the forestomach were observed in male and female mice but the incidences were within the NTP historical control range and were not considered to be related to trans-cinnamaldehyde exposure.     

Toxicology and carcinogenesis studies of acrylamide (CASRN 79-06-1) in F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice (feed and drinking water studies)

Acrylamide, a water-soluble α,β-unsaturated amide, is a contaminant in baked and fried starchy foods, including french fries, potato chips, and bread, as a result of Maillard reactions involving asparagine and reducing sugars. Additional sources of acrylamide exposure include cigarettes, laboratory procedures involving polyacrylamide gels, and various occupations (e.g, monomer production and polymerization processes). Acrylamide is carcinogenic in experimental animals. To obtain data for developing quantitative risk assessments for dietary exposures to acrylamide, the Food and Drug Administration nominated acrylamide for an in-depth toxicological evaluation by the National Toxicology Program. As part of this evaluation, male and female B6C3F1/Nctr (C57BL/6N x C3H/HeN MTV-) mice and male and female F344/N Nctr rats were exposed to acrylamide (at least 99.4% pure) in drinking water for 2 years. 2-WEEK STUDY IN RATS: Groups of four male and four female F344/N rats were administered 0, 0.14, 0.35, 0.70, 1.41, 3.52, or 7.03 mM acrylamide in the drinking water (0, 10, 25, 50, 100, 250, or 500 ppm acrylamide) or 0.0, 7.4, 18.5, 37, 74, 185, or 370 mg acrylamide per kg diet for 14 days. One male rat administered 7.03 mM acrylamide in the drinking water died on day 14. Male and female rats receiving 7.03 mM acrylamide weighed 56% and 64% of controls, respectively. Male and female rats fed 370 mg acrylamide per kg diet weighed 74% and 83% of controls, respectively. Female rats receiving 3.52 mM acrylamide in drinking water and male rats fed 185 mg acrylamide per kg diet weighed 85% and 89% of controls, respectively. Rats receiving 7.03 mM acrylamide in drinking water or 370 mg acrylamide per kg diet exhibited hind-leg paralysis on day 14. Mild to moderate dilatation of the urinary bladder was observed in all rats given 370 mg acrylamide per kg diet, and in three of four male rats and all four female rats given 7.03 mM acrylamide in drinking water, and in one of four male rats given 3.52 mM acrylamide in drinking water. Mild to moderate degeneration of the germinal epithelium in the seminiferous tubules of the testes was noted microscopically in all male rats given 7.03 mM acrylamide in drinking water and in two of four male rats fed 370 mg acrylamide per kg diet. 2-WEEK STUDY IN MICE: Groups of four male and four female B6C3F1 mice were administered 0, 0.14, 0.35, 0.70, 1.41, 3.52, or 7.03 mM acrylamide in the drinking water (0, 10, 25, 50, 100, 250, or 500 ppm acrylamide) or 0.0, 7.4, 18.5, 37, 74, 185, or 370 mg acrylamide per kg diet for 14 days. None of the mice administered 7.03 mM acrylamide in the drinking water survived the 14-day study. Mice administered 7.03 mM acrylamide in the drinking water showed marked decreases in body weight (greater than 25% compared to control mice) after seven days of treatment, and two of the mice displayed hind leg paralysis. No significant adverse effects were observed in mice administered 3.52 mM acrylamide in the drinking water for 14 days. Female B6C3F1 mice given 370 mg acrylamide per kg diet for 14 days showed a modest decrease (11%) in body weight. No other significant adverse effects were observed in mice administered any dose of acrylamide in the diet. 3-MONTH STUDY IN RATS: Groups of eight male and eight female F344/N rats were administered 0.0, 0.14, 0.35, 0.70, 1.41, or 3.52 mM acrylamide in the drinking water (0, 10, 25, 50, 100, or 250 ppm acrylamide) or 0.0, 7.4, 18.5, 37, 74, or 185 mg acrylamide per kg diet for 13 weeks. After 13 weeks, male and female rats administered 3.52 mM acrylamide weighed 73% and 71% of the control rats, respectively. Male and female rats fed 185 mg acrylamide per kg diet for 13 weeks weighed 86% and 82% of the control rats, respectively. Hind-leg paralysis was observed in all rats administered 3.52 mM acrylamide in the drinking water or 185 mg acrylamide per kg diet. Four of eight female rats administered 1.41 mM acrylamide also displayed hind-leg paralysis. Radiculoneuropathy (a degenerative lesion) involving the sciatic nerve and lumbar spinal cord was observed in all male and female rats administered 3.52 mM acrylamide or 185 mg acrylamide per kg diet. A low incidence of radiculoneuropathy was also noted in female rats fed 74 mg acrylamide per kg diet. The neuronal degenerative changes were accompanied, at times, by atrophy in skeletal muscle of the hind-limb and luminal dilation of the urinary bladder. All rats treated with 3.52 mM acrylamide displayed increased hemosiderin pigment in their spleens and hyperplasia of red blood cell precursors in their bone marrow. Two of eight male rats fed 185 mg acrylamide per kg diet also had increased hemosiderin pigment in their spleens. Degeneration of the germ cells in the testes was observed in all male rats given 1.41 or 3.52 mM acrylamide, or 185 mg acrylamide per kg diet. A lower incidence of this lesion was also detected in all other doses of acrylamide in the diet. 3-MONTH STUDY IN MICE: Groups of eight male and eight female B6C3F1 mice were administered 0, 0.14, 0.35, 0.70, 1.41, or 3.52 mM acrylamide in the drinking water (0, 10, 25, 50, 100, or 250 ppm acrylamide) or 0.0, 18.5, 37, 74, 185, or 370 mg acrylamide per kg diet. After 13 weeks, the male and female mice given 3.52 mM acrylamide weighed 86% and 94% of their respective control mice; male mice administered 1.41 mM acrylamide weighed 91% of the control male mice; and male and female mice fed 370 mg acrylamide per kg diet weighed 87% and 81% of their respective control groups. Hind-limb paralysis was observed in all mice administered 3.52 mM acrylamide or 370 mg acrylamide per kg diet. Radiculoneuropathy involving the sciatic nerve, lumbar spinal cord, or both was observed in all male and female mice administered 3.52 mM acrylamide. Radiculoneuropathy, involving primarily the sciatic nerve, was also noted in one of eight female mice fed 185 mg acrylamide per kg diet and in mice fed 370 mg acrylamide per kg diet. The neuronal degenerative changes were accompanied, at times, by atrophy in skeletal muscle of the hind-limb and luminal dilation of the urinary bladder. Degeneration of the germ cells in the testes was observed in six of eight male mice given 3.52 mM acrylamide and seven of seven mice fed 370 mg acrylamide per kg diet. 2 YEAR STUDY IN RATS: Groups of 48 male and 48 female F344/N rats were administered acrylamide in the drinking water ad libitum for 2 years. Concentrations of 0.0875, 0.175, 0.35, and 0.70 mM acrylamide (6.25, 12.5, 25, and 50 ppm acrylamide) resulted in an average daily consumption of approximately 0.33, 0.66, 1.32, and 2.71 mg acrylamide per kg body weight in male F344/N rats and 0.44, 0.88, 1.84, and 4.02 mg acrylamide per kg body weight in female F344/N rats. Acrylamide had no effect upon the survival of male F344/N rats. Female F344/N rats administered 0.175, 0.35, or 0.70 mM acrylamide had decreased survival compared to control female F344/N rats. Acrylamide caused significant dose-related decreasing trends in body weight in F344/N rats. At the end of the 2 year period, male and female F344/N rats administered 0.70 mM acrylamide weighed 86% and 85% of their respective control groups. Feed consumption was generally not affected by acrylamide; water consumption in female F344/N rats was increased at later time points. In male F344/N rats, the incidence of epididymis malignant mesothelioma, combined epididymis or testicular tunica malignant mesothelioma, heart malignant incidences of schwannoma, pancreatic islets adenoma, thyroid gland follicular cell carcinoma, and combined thyroid gland follicular cell adenoma or carcinoma was increased significantly in the 0.70 mM acrylamide group. In female F344/N rats, the incidence of clitoral gland carcinoma was increased significantly in the 0.0875, 0.175, and 0.70 mM acrylamide groups. The incidence of mammary gland fibroadenoma was increased significantly at 0.175, 0.35, and 0.70 mM acrylamide. Significant increases in neoplasm incidences were also observed in oral mucosa squamous cell papilloma, combined oral mucosa or tongue squamous cell papilloma or carcinoma, combined skin fibroma, fibrosarcoma, or sarcoma, and combined thyroid gland follicular cell adenoma or carcinoma at 0.70 mM acrylamide. 2-YEAR STUDY IN MICE: Groups of 48 male and 48 female B6C3F1 mice were administered acrylamide in the drinking water ad libitum for 2 years. Concentrations of 0.0875, 0.175, 0.35, and 0.70 mM acrylamide (6.25, 12.5, 25, and 50 ppm acrylamide) resulted in average daily consumption of approximately 1.04, 2.20, 4.11, and 8.93 mg acrylamide per kg body weight in male B6C3F1 mice and 1.10, 2.23, 4.65, and 9.96 mg acrylamide per kg body weight in female B6C3F1 mice. Acrylamide caused dose-related decreasing trends in survival in B6C3F1 mice, with the survival being significantly decreased in male B6C3F1 mice administered 0.70 mM acrylamide and female B6C3F1 mice given 0.35 and 0.70 mM acrylamide. Acrylamide caused only sporadic changes in body weight in B6C3F1 mice, with the magnitude of the change never exceeding 6% of the respective control body weight. Food and water consumption was generally not affected by acrylamide, except for an increased consumption by female B6C3F1 mice in the 0.70 mM acrylamide group toward the end of the study. In male B6C3F1 mice, the incidence of harderian gland adenoma and combined harderian gland adenoma or adenocarcinoma was increased significantly in all acrylamide dose groups. The incidence of lung alveolar/bronchiolar adenoma and combined lung alveolar/bronchiolar adenoma or carcinoma was increased significantly at 0.175 and 0.70 mM acrylamide, and the incidence of stomach (forestomach) squamous cell papilloma and combined stomach (forestomach) squamous cell papilloma or carcinoma was increased significantly at 0.35 and 0.70 mM acrylamide. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED)     

Ethyl acrylate-induced gastric toxicity. I. Effect of single and repetitive dosing

Ethyl acrylate (EtAc) is widely used in the production of polymers and copolymers for use in the preparation of latex paints, textiles, paper coatings, and specialty plastics. EtAc caused squamous cell carcinomas and papillomas in the forestomach (nonglandular portion of the stomach) of both sexes of F344 rats and B6C3F1 mice when administered chronically by gavage. The current studies were undertaken to investigate and characterize the nature of the acute gastric toxicity caused by EtAc. Gavage administration of a single dose of 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg EtAc (in corn oil) to F344 male rats caused dose-and time-dependent mucosal and submucosal edema and vacuolization of the tunica muscularis in the forestomach and mild submucosal edema in the glandular stomach. Equivalent sc or ip doses did not produce similar gastric lesions. Treatment of rats with two or four consecutive oral daily doses (200 mg/kg each) of EtAc caused mucosal edema associated with vesicle formation, mucosal hyperplasia, submucosal edema and inflammation, and vacuolization of the tunica muscularis of the forestomach. Submucosal edema and inflammation were also observed in the glandular stomach and mucosal erosions or ulcers were observed in both portions of the stomach after repeated oral exposure to EtAc. The absence of systemic toxicity plus the dependency of gastric lesions on the gavage route of administration suggest that the EtAc-induced gastric lesions may be a consequence of localized hemodynamic changes, specifically those characteristic of a classical immediate inflammatory response to an injurious agent at the site of administration.     

Studies on antioxidants: their carcinogenic and modifying effects on chemical carcinogenesis

Studies were conducted on the carcinogenic activity of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) in rats and hamsters. To obtain information concerning the mechanism of action of BHA on the forestomach, the following areas were examined: the effects of 12 phenolic compounds structurally related to BHA on the hamster forestomach, the effects of combinations of BHA and other antioxidants on the rat forestomach, and the metabolism of BHA in the forestomach. Also examined were the effects of several antioxidants on two-stage carcinogenesis in rats. Squamous-cell carcinomas were induced in the forestomach of rats and hamsters fed BHA. In a limited study, 1 of 13 hamsters developed a squamous-cell carcinoma. The tumorigenic action of crude BHA on the forestomach was largely due to the action of 3-tert-BHA. p-tert-Butylphenol and 2-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol induced pronounced hyperplasia and papillomas in the hamster forestomach. BHA and other antioxidants, particularly propyl gallate and ethoxyquin, showed additive effects in inducing forestomach hyperplasia and cytotoxicity. Neither BHA nor its metabolites were found in the forestomach epithelium, although small amounts of metabolites were detected in the stomach contents. Thus, a direct action on the stomach epithelium may be exerted by BHA itself or by metabolites formed on interaction of BHA with gastric juice. BHA enhanced forestomach carcinogenesis initiated in rats by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine or N-methylnitrosourea (MNU) and enhanced urinary bladder carcinogenesis initiated by MNU or N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine (BBN). In contrast, it inhibited carcinogenesis initiated in the liver by either diethylnitrosamine or N-ethyl-N-hydroxyethylnitrosamine (EHEN) and mammary carcinogenesis initiated by 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA). BHT promoted urinary bladder carcinogenesis initiated by BBN or MNU and thyroid carcinogenesis initiated by MNU, but inhibited ear-duct carcinogenesis initiated by DMBA. Ethoxyquin promoted EHEN-initiated kidney carcinogenesis, but inhibited both DMBA-initiated mammary and EHEN-initiated liver carcinogenesis. Sodium ascorbate promoted forestomach and urinary bladder carcinogenesis, and sodium erythorbate also enhanced urinary bladder carcinogenesis. alpha-Tocopherol inhibited ear-duct carcinogenesis. No antioxidants tested had any effect on glandular stomach carcinogenesis. Thus antioxidants have independent modifying (promoting or inhibitory) effects in different organs.     

Toxicology and carcinogenicity studies of diuretics in F344 rats and B6C3F1 mice. 1. Hydrochlorothiazide

Toxicology and carcinogenesis studies of hydrochlorothiazide, a benzothiadiazide diuretic, were conducted by administering diets containing the drug to both sexes of F344 rats and B6C3F1 mice in 15-day, 13-week and 2-year studies. No rats died during the 15-day or 13-week studies at dietary concentrations of up to 50,000 ppm. Deaths of male mice in the top dose group in the 13-week study were likely to be related to chemical administration. In the prechronic studies, increased nephrosis and mineralization at the kidney corticomedullary junction were the primary toxic effects of hydrochlorothiazide observed in rats. In mice, chemical-related effects included nephrosis and calculi, inflammation and epithelial hyperplasia in the urinary bladder. In 2-year studies using dietary concentrations of 0, 250, 500 and 2000 ppm in rats and 0, 2500 and 5000 ppm in mice, survival of dosed and control groups of rats and mice was similar, as were body weights of mice. Dosed groups of male and female rats were uniformly lighter than controls (up to 25%) throughout the studies. Severe chronic renal disease with secondary parathyroid hyperplasia and fibrous osteodystrophy of the bone were attributed to chemical administration in rats. No neoplasms in rats or female mice or non-neoplastic lesions in mice were associated with hydrochlorothiazide. In high-dose male mice, liver neoplasms were increased but were not considered to be related to hydrochlorothiazide administration because of an unusually low incidence in the control group relative to historical controls.     

Carcinogenicity of <Emphasis Type="Italic">ortho</Emphasis>-phenylenediamine dihydrochloride in rats and mice by two-year drinking water treatment

The carcinogenicity of ortho-phenylenediamine (o-PD) was examined by administrating o-phenylenediamine dihydrochloride (o-PD2HCl) in dinking water to groups of 50 F344/DuCrj rats and 50 Crj:BDF₁ mice of both sexes for 2 years. The drinking water concentration of o-PD2HCl was 0, 500, 1,000 or 2,000 ppm (wt/wt) for male rats; 0, 250, 500 or 1,000 ppm for female rats; 0, 500, 1,000 or 2,000 ppm for male mice; and 0, 1,000, 2,000 or 4,000 ppm for female mice. Two-year administration of o-PD2HCl produced a dose-dependent increase in the incidences of hepatocellular adenomas and carcinomas in rats of both sexes and in female mice, and hepatocellular adenomas in male mice. In mice, the incidences of hepatocellular adenomas were increased at the lowest dose used in both males and females. Metastasis from hepatocellular carcinomas of rats occurred predominantly in the lung. Incidences of transitional cell papillomas and carcinomas in the urinary bladder were noted in male rats administered 2,000 ppm, together with an increased incidence of papillary and/or nodular hyperplasia of transitional epithelium. In mice, the incidence of papillary adenomas in the gall bladder, which is rare in mice, was increased in both males and females administered 2,000 ppm. Thus, o-PD is carcinogenic in two species, i.e., rats and mice of both sexes.     

Acrylonitrile is a multisite carcinogen in male and female B6C3F1 mice.

Acrylonitrile is a heavily produced unsaturated nitrile, which is used in the production of synthetic fibers, plastics, resins, and rubber. Acrylonitrile is a multisite carcinogen in rats after exposure via gavage, drinking water, or inhalation. No carcinogenicity studies of acrylonitrile in a second animal species were available. The current studies were designed to assess the carcinogenicity of acrylonitrile in B6C3F1 mice of both sexes. Acrylonitrile was administered by gavage at 0, 2.5, 10, or 20 mg/kg/day, 5 days per week, for 2 years. Urinary thiocyanate and N-acetyl-S-(2-cyanoethyl)-L-cysteine were measured as markers of exposure to acrylonitrile. In general, there were dose-related increases in urinary thiocyanate and N-acetyl-S-(2-cyanoethyl)-L-cysteine concentrations in all dosed groups of mice and at all time points. Survival was significantly (p < 0.001) reduced in the top dose (20 mg/kg) group of male and female mice relative to controls. The incidence of forestomach papillomas and carcinomas was increased in mice of both sexes in association with an increase in forestomach epithelial hyperplasia. The incidence of Harderian gland adenomas and carcinomas was also markedly increased in the acrylonitrile-dosed groups. In female mice, the incidence of benign or malignant granulosa cell tumors (combined) in the ovary in the 10 mg/kg dose group was greater than that in the vehicle control group, but because of a lack of dose response, this was considered an equivocal finding. In addition, the incidences of atrophy and cysts in the ovary of the 10 and 20 mg/kg dose groups were significantly increased. The incidences of alveolar/bronchiolar adenoma or carcinoma (combined) were significantly increased in female mice treated with acrylonitrile at 10 mg/kg/day for 2 years. This was also considered an equivocal result. In conclusion, these studies demonstrated that acrylonitrile causes multiple carcinogenic effects after gavage administration to male and female B6C3F1 mice for 2 years.     

Allyl isothiocyanate: comparative disposition in rats and mice

Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), the major component of volatile oil of mustard, was recently reported to induce transitional-cell papillomas in the urinary bladder of male Fischer 344 rats, but not in the bladders of female rats or B6C3F1 mice. The present investigation of comparative disposition in both sexes of each species was designed to detect sex or species differences in disposition which might explain susceptibility to AITC toxicity. AITC was readily cleared from all rat and mouse tissues so that within 24 hr after administration less than 5% of the total dose was retained in tissues. The highest concentration of AITC-derived radioactivity was observed in male rat bladder. Clearance of AITC-derived radioactivity by each species was primarily in urine (70 to 80%) and in exhaled air (13 to 15%) with lesser amounts in feces (3 to 5%). Rats excreted one major and four minor metabolites in urine. The major metabolite from rat urine was identified by NMR spectroscopy to be the mercapturic acid N-acetyl-S-(N-allylthiocarbamoyl)-L-cysteine. Mice excreted in urine the same major metabolite identified in rat urine as well as three other major and two minor metabolites. Sex-related variations were observed in the relative amounts of these metabolites. Both species excreted a single metabolite in feces. Metabolism of AITC by male and female rats was similar, but female rats excreted over twice the urine volume of male rats. Results of the present study indicate that excretion of a more concentrated solution of AITC metabolite(s) in urine may account for the toxic effects of AITC on the bladder of male rats.