ANIMAL-MODEL FOR STUDY OF PROSTATIC ADENOCARCINOMA

Abstract

After injection of the potent carcinogen 9,10-dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene (DMBA) male rats (Fisher/Furth), mice (Strong A/J) and golden hamsters, which were previously conditioned by castration and in which the prostate became histologically atrophic, developed tumors consistent with prostatic adenocarcinoma. One month after castration, i.v. injections of DMBA were given in the vena cava or jugular vein once a month for 3 mo. Three to 4 mo. later, histologic evidence of prostate adenocarcinoma was consistently found in each of the groups of castrated animals (11 rats, 22 mice and 11 hamsters) which survived the experiment. The glands were enlarged grossly and ureteral obstruction was also noted. Metastases to the lung also occurred in 5 mice, 3 rats and 1 hamster.