Inhibitory effect of UFT on rat hepatocarcinogenesis induced by 3'-methyl-4-dimethylaminoazobenzene and phenobarbital promotion]

Inhibitory effect of UFT on hepatocarcinogenesis in rats induced by 3'-methyl-4-dimethylaminoazobenzene (3'-MeDAB) and phenobarbital (PB) promotion was studied. Donryu male rats were divided into four groups. Group A was fed a diet containing 0.06% 3'-MeDAB for 3, 5, or 7 weeks, and then fed normal diet for 2 weeks, subsequently received a diet containing 0.05% PB. Group B was given UFT (20 mg/kg/5 days a week) simultaneously with feeding 3'-MeDAB. Group C was given UFT simultaneously with feeding PB. Group D was given 3'-MeDAB alone. In all groups, the development of hepatocellular carcinoma was investigated 37 weeks later and the number and area per mm2 of induced glutathione S-transferase placental form (GST-P) positive foci were measured using an image processor. The number and area of GST-P positive foci in group B and group C were markedly decreased as compared with those in group A. These results seem to show that the administration of UFT inhibited the production of GST-P positive foci and that stronger inhibitory effect of UFT was observed by simultaneous administration of an initiator than by that of a promoter.