Abstract
The carcinogenic activity of the alkylating agent methyl methanesulphonate (MMS) was investigated in the F344 rat bladder, both untreated and pretreated with a single threshold dose of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU). On its own, 6 doses of 2.5 mg MMS produced a 7% incidence of bladder cancer. After a single intravesical instillation of MNU, the same MMS treatment produced a bladder cancer incidence of 56%. This was significantly higher than the incidence (24%) observed after treatment with MNU alone, and greater than the sum of the lesions produced by either treatment alone. By reference to the mouse skin multistage carcinogenesis model, it is argued that MMS is a complete, albeit weak carcinogen with little initiating but powerful late-stage activity. Its promoting activity is most probably attributable to its potent mitogenic action and in this model it is analogous to a stage 2, rather than a stage 1 skin promoter.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 24 print issues and online access
$259.00 per year
only $10.79 per issue
Rent or buy this article
Prices vary by article type
from$1.95
to$39.95
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Tudor, R., Severs, N. & Hicks, R. The “promoting” activity of methyl methanesulphonate in rat bladder carcinogenesis. Br J Cancer 50, 63–75 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1038/bjc.1984.140
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/bjc.1984.140
This article is cited by
-
The effect of complete carcinogens on intercellular transfer of lucifer yellow in fibroblast culture
Cell Biology and Toxicology (1990)
-
Promoting effect of sodium chloride in 2-stage urinary bladder carcinogenesis in rats initiated by N-Butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)-nitrosamine
Urological Research (1986)