Difference in the induction of osteosarcoma in rabbit bone with single administration of three kinds of chemical carcinogens.

A single intramedullary administration of each dose (15 approximately 20 mg) of 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide, 3-methylcholanthrene, or 7,12-dimethylbenz[alpha]anthracene was applied to the mandible, diaphysis, or distal metaphysis of the femur of rabbits. The highest incidence in production of osteosarcoma was obtained from the group in which 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide was applied to the distal metaphysis (75%, including one case of chondrosarcoma). Tumors hardly appeared in any of the groups when given 3-methylcholanthrene or 7,12-dimethylbenz[alpha]anthracene. Histologically, three kinds of entities were recognized from the quantitative difference of the reactive tissues which appeared around carcinogens. It is estimated that the condition of entity III induces the highest incidence of osteosarcoma if chemical carcinogens are given into the bone marrow of experimental animals.