PULMONARY CARCINOGENESIS BY DERIVATIVES OF POLYNUCLEAR AROMATIC ALKYLATING-AGENTS

Abstract

Simple alkylating derivatives of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were more carcinogenic in strain A mice than the parent hydrocarbons. The carcinogenicity of these halomethyl hydrocarbons is not a function of the 1st-order solvolysis rate. The acridine antitumor agent and mutagen ICR 170, 2-methoxy-6-chloro-9-[3-(ethyl-2-chloroethyl)aminopropylamino]acridine dihydrochloride, was a potent carcinogen in the same system when administered i.v., superseding data in the literature indicating inactivity when the drug is administered i.p. Stimulation of the immune system had a marked inhibitory effect on the carcinogenic activity of this compound.