Carcinogenicity of Benz(a)anthracene and Benzo(c)phenanthrene Derivatives

Abstract

The carcinogenic effect of all monomethyl derivatives of benz(a)anthracene and some monomethyl derivatives of benzo(c)phenanthrene was studied in mice. The compounds were applied cutaneously by painting and subcutaneously by injection in solution. The toxic and carcinogenic effects of four fluoro-substituted and three methyl-substituted benz (a) anthracenes were studied when these compounds had been adsorbed to strings inserted into the uterine cervix of mice. The neoplasia-inducing potential as a function of certain chemical groups at various sites on the benz (a)-anthracene molecule is presented. The extreme toxicity of 4-fluoro-7-methyl benz(a)anthracene prohibited its use in this experiment.