Mechanism for ammonia-induced promotion of gastric carcinogenesis in rats

Although an association is suggested between gastric cancerand prior infection with Helicobacter pylori (HP), the roleof HP in gastric carcinogenesis remains obscure. HP has potenturease activity and produces ammonia, a factor causing HP-relatedgastroduodenal mucosal lesions. In this study, rats were examinedin an effort to determine effects of ammonia on gastric carcinogenesisinduced by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG). Afterpretreatment with MNNG (83 mg/l) for 24 weeks, a solution ofeither 0.01% ammonia or plain tap water was administered tothe animals as drinking water for an additional 24 weeks. Theadministration of the 0.01% ammonia solution significantly increasedthe incidence and number of cancers in the glandular stomach.The numbers of cases in which these cancers penetrated the musclelayer or deeper and of low-grade differentiated adenocarcinomaswere significantly higher in rats receiving the ammonia solution.Continuing administration of ammonia accelerated cell proliferationin the gastric mucosa, but had no effect on the serum gastrinlevel. Therefore, gastric ammonia, which stimulates mucosalcell proliferation, appears to be an important promoter in carcinogenesisin rats and possibly in the HP-related gastric carcinogenesisin humans.     

Inhibition by long-term fermented miso of induction of gastric tumors by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine in CD (SD) rats

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of fermented miso in the diet on the induction of gastric tumors by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) in male CD (SD) rats. A total of 120 animals, 6 weeks of age, were divided into 6 groups and given MNNG (100 ppm) in the drinking water for 16 weeks. Starting 1 week before the carcinogen treatment the rats were fed a normal control MF solid diet, or the same diet containing 10% long-term fermented, medium- or short-term fermented miso, or 1% NaCl until the end of the MNNG exposure period. They were then maintained on the MF control diet and normal tap water until the autopsy time point at 52 weeks. The long-term fermented miso significantly reduced the size of the gastric tumors as compared with the other groups. The present results thus indicate that dietary supplementation with long-term fermented miso could act as a chemopreventive agent for gastric carcinogenesis.     

Effects of NaCl, Tween 60 and a low dose of N-ethyl-N' -nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine on gastric carcinogenesis of rat given a single dose of N-methyl-N' -nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine

Effects of NaCI, Tween 60 and N-ethyl-N' -nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine(ENNG) on gastric carcinogenesis were investigated in male Wistarrats. Animals received a single dose of N-methyl-N' -nitro-N-nitrosoguanidlne(MNNG) at 250 mg/ kg body weight by gastric tube followed oneweek later by either 10% NaCI in their diet, twice-weekly applicationsof 1 ml of saturated NaCI solution by gastric tube, 1.0% Tween60 in their drinking water or 0.0005% ENNG in their drinkingwater. One group of rats were given MNNG 24 h after a singleapplication of 1 ml of saturated NaCI solution to investigatethe effect of NaCI on initiation. A single dose of MNNG to ratsresulted in development of multiple epithelial tumors in theforestomach and no epithelial tumors in the glandular stomachafter 52 weeks. There were no differences in tumor incidencesof the forestomach and glandular stomach between experimentalgroups which were given a subsequent treatment with NaCI orTween 60 and the control group with MNNG alone. ENNG significantlyenhanced the tumor induction in the glandular stomach, whileENNG alone did not induce any tumors in the stomach. The NaCItreatment prior to MNNG administration also increased tumordevelopment in the glandular stomach but not in the forestomach.     

Differential proliferative response of gastric mucosa during carcinogenesis induced by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine in susceptible ACI rats, resistant Buffalo rats, and their hybrid F1 cross

The effect of N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) on the proliferative characteristics of the pyloric epithelium was investigated in ACI and Buffalo rats and their F1 rats, which are susceptible, resistant, and resistant, respectively, to gastric carcinogenesis by this chemical. After injection of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd), DNA synthesizing cells in the pyloric epithelium were stained immunohistochemically with anti-BrdUrd antibody. The average number and range of distribution of cells labeled with BrdUrd in the pyloric glands were significantly larger in ACI rats than in Buffalo or F1 rats after administration of MNNG (83 micrograms/ml in the drinking water) for 2 or 16 weeks. In control rats given tap water for 2 weeks, there was no significant difference in these values in the three groups (Experiment 1). The distribution of cells that were labeled with [methyl-3H]MNNG in the pyloric epithelium was measured by histoautoradiography, and the distribution of cells double labeled with both [methyl-3H]MNNG and BrdUrd was also analyzed. Rats were given 83 micrograms/ml of MNNG in their drinking water for 2 weeks and then received [methyl-3H]MNNG by gavage and an injection of BrdUrd 2 and 1 h, respectively, before sacrifice. The average number of double labeled cells (i.e., replicating cells exposed to MNNG) was significantly larger in ACI rats than in Buffalo or F1 rats. In control rats given tap water without MNNG for 2 weeks, there was no significant difference in these values in the three groups (Experiment 2). Cells double labeled with [methyl-3H]MNNG and BrdUrd are considered to be cells with the potential to establish mutations (cell population at risk of MNNG-induced carcinogenesis). Our results show that, after MNNG treatment, the size of this cell population is larger in susceptible ACI rats than in resistant Buffalo and F1 rats. Thus, differential responses of the gastric mucosa to MNNG may be a key factor in the difference of susceptibility to gastric carcinogenesis between ACI and Buffalo rats.     

Effect of taurocholic acid feeding on methyl-nitro-N-nitroso-guanidine induced gastric tumors

Bile reflux is generally accepted as a causative factor of gastric cancer after partial gastrectomy. The present study was designed to evaluate the promotion, by the per oral administration of taurocholic acid, of methyl-N-nitro-N′-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG)-induced gastric carcinogenesis.MNNG (83 mg/l) was given in the drinking water to half the male Wistar rats during 12 weeks while the other half served as controls. After this treatment half of the MNNG-treated animals and half of the controls were placed under a diet containing 0.2% of taurocholic acid while the other animals received the standard diet. At the 40th week after initiation of MNNG, surviving animals were killed. Their stomachs and their duodenums were observed for macro and microscopic examination. Macroscopically there were 7 animals bearing gastric tumors in the MNNG group and 15 in the MNNG + bile group (P < 0.05). Microscopically there were 7 animals with severe antral dysplasia in the MNNG group, 7 rats with fundic dysplasia and 18 with severe antral dysplasia in the MNNG + bile group. Both groups developed an identical number of duodenal tumors which were invasive adenocarcinomas or angiosarcomas.In this experiment taurocholic acid significantly promoted gastric carcinogenesis. It is postulated that surgical techniques inducing duodenal reflux in the stomach may produced a ‘high risk’ group of patients in which a long and careful follow-up is required.     

Gastric carcinogenesis induced by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine: role of gastrectomy and duodenal reflux

The effect of gastrectomy and duodenal reflux on gastric carcinogenesis was studied because gastrectomized patients may be considered at "high risk" for the development of gastric stump cancer. Wistar rats received N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) (83 mg/liter) ad libitum in the drinking water for either four, eight, or twelve weeks. A control group received tap water. After MNNG administration animals were antrectomized. Antrectomy was not performed in a control group. Bowel continuity was restored either with a Billroth II (BIL) or with a ROUX en Y (ROUX) procedure. Duodenogastric reflux is possible after the BIL but not after the ROUX procedure. Eight months after the beginning of the experiment the stomachs of the animals were studied. In both operated and unoperated animals, the number of cancers observed was significantly related to the duration of MNNG administration. Animals receiving MNNG plus the BIL procedure had a significantly higher number of anastomotic cancers than the ROUX animals, indicating that duodenogastric reflux played a promotional role in gastric carcinogenesis. Three BIL gastrectomized rats not receiving the carcinogen had an adenocarcinoma on the anastomotic line further emphasizing the risk attached to the duodeno-gastric reflux.     

Attenuating effect of ornithine decarboxylase inhibitor (1,3-diaminopropane) on bombesin enhancement of gastric carcinogenesis induced by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine.

The effects of combined administration of bombesin and the ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) inhibitor 1,3-diaminopropane (DAP) on the incidence and number of gastric tumors induced by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG), the ODC activity of the gastric wall and the labelling index of the gastric mucosa were investigated in inbred Wistar rats. Rats were given drinking water containing MNNG (50 micrograms/ml) for 25 weeks and then drinking water containing DAP (2.5 g/l) and/or injections of 40 micrograms/kg body weight of bombesin in depot form every other day. Administration of bombesin alone resulted in significant increases in the incidence of gastric cancers, the ODC activity of the antral portion of the gastric wall and the labelling index of the antral mucosa. Administration of DAP with bombesin significantly reduced enhancement by the latter of gastric carcinogenesis, ODC activity of the antral portion of the gastric wall and the labelling index of the antral mucosa. Our results suggest that ODC inhibition attenuated the enhancement of gastric carcinogenesis by bombesin, and that this enhancement by bombesin was mediated by polyamine biosynthesis.     

Preventive effect of fermented brown rice and rice bran on N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine-induced gastric carcinogenesis in rats

A number of possible preventive agents for cancers in different organs have been reported, however, little information is available regarding the effective agents for the development of gastric cancers. The rice components are known to be effective for the prevention of the development of cancers. Our group has demonstrated that fermented brown rice by Aspergillus Orzae (FBRA) has chemopreventive potentials in several organs. In this study, we investigated the modifying effects of FBRA exposed during the initiation or post-initiation phase of N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG)-induced gastric carcinogenesis in rats. Five-week-old male ACI rats were divided into 7 groups. Groups 1-5 were given oral administration of MNNG (100 mg/l in distilled water) for 24 weeks starting at 6 weeks of age. Groups 2 and 3 were fed a diet containing 5 and 10% FBRA during the initiation phase, respectively, whereas groups 4 and 5 were fed these diets during the post-initiation phase. Group 6 was given a diet containing 10% FBRA throughout the experiment. Group 7 was kept on the basal diet alone and served as an untreated control. Rats were sacrificed at 52 weeks after the start, and the epithelium of the stomach was investigated in detail. Incidence and multiplicity of gastric proliferative lesions of group 1 (MNNG alone) were 61% and 1.67+/-1.57/rat, respectively. Those of group 5 (25%, 0.35+/-0.67) which were given FBRA at a dose of 10% during the post-initiation phase were significantly less than those of group 1. Furthermore, the same group expressed a significantly decreased Ki67-labeling index in the non-lesional gastric epithelium when compared to that of group 1. These results indicate that FBRA inhibits MNNG-induced development of gastric tumors by administration during the post-initiation phase in rats. FBRA is regarded as a promising dietary agent for the prevention of human gastric cancer.     

Effects of butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene, and NaCl on gastric carcinogenesis initiated with N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine in F344 rats

Promoting activities of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and NaCl and of combinations of these antioxidants with NaCl on gastric carcinogenesis initiated by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine [(MNNG) (CAS: 70-25-7; 1-methyl-3-nitro-1-nitrosoguanidine] were investigated in male inbred F344 rats. Animals, 6-week old, were given an intragastric administration of MNNG at 150 mg/kg body weight by gastric tube and 1 week later were placed on a diet containing BHA (0.5%), BHT (1.0%), NaCl (5.0%), BHA (0.5%) plus NaCl (5%), or BHT (1.0%) plus NaCl (5.0%) for 51 weeks. Control rats received no further treatment after MNNG administration. A single intragastric application of MNNG to rats induced multiple epithelial tumors of the forestomach and a few epithelial tumors of the glandular stomach after 52 weeks. Squamous cell carcinomas of the forestomach were seen in 2 of 18 effective rats (11.1%) in the control groups, and the incidences in the groups receiving the subsequent treatment were 45.0% with BHA, 15.8% with BHT, 30% with NaCl, 70% with BHA plus NaCl, and 52.9% with BHT plus NaCl. Differences in the incidences of squamous cell carcinoma between the controls and groups given BHA, BHA plus NaCl, and BHT plus NaCl were statistically significant. NaCl given alone after MNNG administration also significantly increased the incidence of papillomas in the forestomach. Incidences of glandular stomach tumors, adenomas and carcinomas were not affected by any of the subsequent treatments. No tumors of the stomach developed in the groups given BHA, BHT, and NaCl without MNNG pretreatment. Thus the present experiment revealed that BHA and NaCl but not BHT exert promoting activity on MNNG-induced forestomach carcinogenesis in rats and that, when BHA and BHT were given with NaCl, promotion was more marked, suggesting a synergistic effect on tumor promotion.     

Inhibitory effect of calcium chloride on gastric carcinogenesis in rats after treatment with N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine and sodium chloride.

The effects of calcium chloride on glandular stomach carcinogenesis induced by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) and sodium chloride were investigated in male outbred Wistar rats. Animals were given MNNG solution (100 p.p.m.) as drinking water and simultaneously fed a diet supplemented with 5% sodium chloride for 8 weeks. Matched negative controls received neither MNNG nor sodium chloride. Rats were then fed basal diet and given calcium chloride solution (1 or 0.2%) or tap water for the following 52 weeks. The incidences and multiplicities of preneoplastic hyperplasias in the glandular stomachs of rats given MNNG/sodium chloride followed by 1 and 0.2% calcium chloride were significantly lower than those in rats given MNNG/sodium chloride alone. The inhibitory effects of calcium were exerted in a dose-dependent manner. Calcium treatment also showed a tendency to inhibit the development of gastric adenocarcinomas although this was not statistically significant. Rats without carcinogen treatment had neither carcinomas nor preneoplastic hyperplasias in the glandular stomach. Calcium intake also significantly reduced the levels of malondialdehyde, a measure of lipid peroxidation, in the gastric mucosa and urine, the former in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, calcium chloride exerted inhibitory effects when given during the post-initiation phase of two-stage glandular stomach carcinogenesis in rats.     

Protective effect by potassium chloride against gastric carcinogenesis induced by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine in spontaneously hypertensive rats

The effects of oral potassium supplementation on the enhanced induction of gastric carcinogenesis by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), and the norepinephrine concentration in their gastric wall were investigated. The SHR and normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) as controls were given a solution of the carcinogen for 25 weeks and then 1% KCl solution or tap water to drink. In Week 52, the incidence of gastric cancers and their number per rat and the norepinephrine concentration in the gastric wall were significantly greater in SHR than in WKY. Prolonged oral treatment of SHR with potassium significantly reduced the incidence of gastric cancers and their number per rat, as well as the blood pressure and the norepinephrine concentration in the antral portion of the gastric wall. These findings indicate that prolonged treatment with KCl attenuated the enhancement of gastric carcinogenesis by MNNG in SHR.     

Protective Effect by Potassium Chloride against Gastric Carcinogenesis Induced by N-Methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

The effects of oral potassium supplementation on the enhanced induction of gastric carcinogenesis by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), and the norepinephrine concentration in their gastric wall were investigated. The SHR and normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) as controls were given a solution of the carcinogen for 25 weeks and then 1% KCl solution or tap water to drink. In Week 52, the incidence of gastric cancers and their number per rat and the norepinephrine concentration in the gastric wall were significantly greater in SHR than in WKY. Prolonged oral treatment of SHR with potassium significantly reduced the incidence of gastric cancers and their number per rat, as well as the blood pressure and the norepinephrine concentration in the antral portion of the gastric wall. These findings indicate that prolonged treatment with KCl attenuated the enhancement of gastric carcinogenesis by MNNG in SHR.     

Inhibition by 6-hydroxydopamine of enhanced gastric carcinogenesis induced by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

The effects of chemical sympathectomy induced by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) on the enhanced induction of gastric carcinogenesis by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), and the norepinephrine (NE) concentrations in their gastric wall and the labeling index of gastric epithelial cells were investigated. SHR rats and normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) as controls were given MNNG (25 micrograms/ml) in their drinking water for 25 weeks and then i.p. injections of 6-OHDA (42 mg/kg twice within 24 hr, and then 105 mg/kg every 2 weeks from 1 week later). In control group (WKY rat + NaCl), gastric cancers were found in 2 (11%) of 18 rats examined in week 52. In SHR rats treated with NaCl solution only, the incidence of gastric cancers significantly increased, to 53% compared with that in control WKY rats. Treatment of SHR rats with 6-OHDA significantly decreased its incidence to 12% compared with the value in SHR rats treated with NaCl solution only. Prolonged administration of 6-OHDA to SHR rats significantly reduced the NE concentration in the antral portion of the gastric wall and the labeling index of antral epithelial cells. These findings indicate that prolonged i.p. treatment with 6-OHDA attenuated the normally higher incidence of MNNG-induced gastric cancer in SHR rats.     

Enhancement by sulpiride of the inhibitory effects of cysteamine on gastric carcinogenesis induced by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine in Wistar rats

The effects of sulpiride on cysteamine inhibition of gastric carcinogenesis induced by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) and on the BUdR labelling index of gastric mucosa were investigated in inbred Wistar rats. After 25 weeks of oral treatment with MNNG, rats received one of the following alternate-day injections: cysteamine (2 doses), cysteamine (2 doses) plus sulpiride or sulpiride. At week 52, prolonged administration of cysteamine significantly reduced the incidence of adenocarcinomas of the glandular stomach. Cysteamine at low dose had no effect on the incidence of gastric cancers, but a combination of low-dose cysteamine and sulpiride caused a significantly greater reduction in the incidence of gastric cancers. Administration of sulpiride alone had no influence on gastric carcinogenesis. The labelling index of the antral mucosa was significantly lower in rats treated with high but not low doses of cysteamine. However, a combination of low-dose cysteamine and sulpiride significantly decreased the labelling index of the antral mucosa. Our findings indicate that cysteamine suppressed gastric carcinogenesis and that sulpiride enhanced this inhibition. Because sulpiride is a dopamine antagonist, these findings also indicate that dopamine may play an important role in cysteamine inhibition of gastric carcinogenesis.     

Effects of butylated hydroxyanisole pretreatment on low dose N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine- or N,N-dibutylnitrosamine-induced rat forestomach or esophageal carcinogenesis

The effects of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) pretreatment on subsequent low dose N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) or N,N-dibutylnitrosamine (DBN) treatment on forestomach or esophageal carcinogenesis were investigated in male F344 rats. Groups of animals were pretreated with 2% BHA or basal diet alone for 24 weeks and then were given 20 mg/kg body wt MNNG once every 2 weeks, 0.025% DBN in drinking water continuously or basal diet alone for the subsequent 24 weeks. Further groups of rats were similarly treated with BHA or basal diet alone for 24 weeks, placed on basal diet for the next 24 weeks and then treated with MNNG, DBN or basal diet alone for the subsequent 24 weeks. Animals were killed 48 or 72 weeks after the beginning of the experiment. Histopathological examination showed that the incidence of forestomach tumors was not significantly affected by the BHA pretreatment in the MNNG-treated groups. On the other hand, the incidence of esophageal squamous cell carcinomas was lower in the group pretreated with BHA followed by DBN than in that treated with basal diet followed by DBN (48 week experiment). There was no significant difference in esophageal tumor incidence in the 72 week experiment. The results thus indicate that continuous treatment with 2% BHA for 24 weeks does not exert initiating activity on forestomach and esophageal epithelia.     

Preventive Effect of Actinidia Valvata Dunn Extract on N-methyl-N’-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine-induced Gastrointestinal Cancer in Rats

Purpose: This study was conducted to assess the preventive effect of Actinidia valvata Dunn (AVD) extract on an animal model of gastrointestinal carcinogenesis on the basis of changes in tumor incidence, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. Materials and Methods: Seventy-five male Wistar rats were divided into five different treatment groups with 15 rats in each group. Group I was given normal feed, whereas Groups II to IV were treated with 10% sodium chloride in the first six weeks and 100ug/mL of N-methyl-N’-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) indrinking water for 24 weeks. Group II was then given normal feed, whereas Group III was given AVD extract (0.24g/kg/day) for 12 weeks. Group IV was given AVD extract from the first week to the 36th week, whereas Group V was treated with AVD extract alone for 36 weeks. All rats were sacrificed at the end of the 36-week experiment and assessed for the presence of gastrointestinal tumors. The occurrence of cancer was evaluated by histology. Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase-3, and cyclinD1 were determined by immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting.Results: The incidences of gastric cancer were 0% in Group I, 73.3% in Group II, 33.3% in Group III, 26.7% in Group IV, and 0% in Group V. Bcl-2 and cyclinD1 expression was decreased in AVD extract treated groups, whereas Bax and Caspase-3 expression was increased. Comparison with group II revealed significant differences (p<0.01). Conclusions: AVD extract exhibits an obvious preventive effect on gastrointestinal carcinogenesis induced by MNNG in rats through the regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis.     

Attenuating effect of the monoamine oxidase inhibitor furazolidone on the anti-carcinogenetic effect of cysteamine on gastric carcinogenesis induced by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine in Wistar rats

The effect of furazolidone on inhibition by cysteamine of gastric carcinogenesis induced by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) was investigated in inbred Wistar rats. After oral treatment with MNNG for 25 weeks, rats received cysteamine, furazolidone, or both compounds. In week 52, rats treated with cysteamine had a significantly decreased incidence of gastric cancers. Concomitant treatment with furazolidone significantly attenuated the inhibitory effect of cysteamine on gastric carcinogenesis. Administration of furazolidone alone significantly increased the number, but not the incidence, of gastric cancers. The norepinephrine concentration of the antral portion of the gastric wall and the labelling index of the antral mucosa were significantly reduced in rats treated with cysteamine, and significantly higher in rats treated with both compounds than in those treated with cysteamine alone. These findings indicate that the cysteamine-induced inhibition of gastric carcinogenesis is mediated by catecholamines.     

Sequential histologic changes during gastric carcinogenesis induced by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine in susceptible ACI and resistant BUF rats

Sequential histologic changes of the stomach during carcinogenesis induced by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG; CAS: 70-25-7) were studied in susceptible ACI and resistant BUF strain rats. Rats were given MNNG at a concentration of 83 micrograms/ml in their drinking water for 32 weeks and then tap water and were sacrificed sequentially between weeks 1 and 57. In ACI rats, erosions, regenerative changes, focal and slightly atypical changes, and diffuse and severe atypical changes were observed sequentially in the pyloric region during the period of MNNG administration, where adenocarcinomas were observed after the cessation of MNNG treatment. In BUF rats, the main histologic changes induced by MNNG were erosions and hyperplasia of the glandular portion of pyloric glands at the margin of erosions. After the cessation of MNNG treatment, the hyperplasia of the pyloric glands subsided and was followed by atrophy of these glands. The results suggested that the responses of the gastric mucosa to MNNG in ACI and BUF rats were qualitatively different.     

Effects of 4-week treatment with gastric carcinogens and enhancing agents on proliferation of gastric mucosa cells in rats

Catechol and N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) are gastric carcinogens in rats. Catechol, sodium chloride and bile salts have enhancing effects on gastric carcinogenesis induced by MNNG in rats. The effects of these compounds on proliferation of pyloric mucosa cells in male F344 rats were examined immunohistochemically using bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and anti-BrdU monoclonal antibody. Rats were given MNNG (83 micrograms/ml in their drinking water), catechol (0.8% in their diet), sodium taurocholate (0.3% in their diet), sodium taurodeoxycholate (0.3% in their diet), or sodium chloride (10% in their diet or by intragastric administration of 1 ml of saturated solution once a week) for 4 weeks. All these treatments markedly enhanced cell proliferation of the pyloric epithelium, suggesting the importance of enhanced cell proliferation in the development of gastric cancer.     

Enhancement by vaso-active intestinal peptide of gastric carcinogenesis induced by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine in rats.

The effects of vaso-active intestinal peptide (VIP) on gastric carcinogenesis induced by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) were investigated in Wistar rats given VIP every other day for 27 weeks after oral administration of MNNG for 25 weeks. In week 52, administration of VIP caused a significant increase in the incidence of gastric cancers, but did not influence their histological appearance. VIP significantly increased the labeling indices of the antral mucosa. Our findings indicate that VIP enhances gastric carcinogenesis, and that this effect may be related to its effect in increasing cell proliferation of the antral epithelial cells.