Proliferation of endocrine (APUD-type) cells during early N-diethylnitrosamine-induced lung carcinogenesis in hamsters.

Pronounced proliferation of amine precursor uptake and decarboxylase activity (APUD-type) cells was found in the segmental bronchi and bronchioles of Syrian golden hamsters during N-diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced lung carcinogenesis. Since similar epithelial alterations did not occur in previous experiments after benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) treatment, it is concluded that the initial stages of lung carcinogenesis differ with respect to the carcinogen administered.