Induction of N-nitrosodimethylamine metabolism in rat liver and lung by ethanol.

The metabolic activation of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) to an active metabolite is important in the manifestation of its carcinogenic effect. The lung and liver were compared for their responses to the induction of NDMA demethylation by 10% ethanol in the drinking water and by repeated bolus injections. Ethanol in the drinking water increased NDMA metabolism several-fold in both the liver and the lung. Repeated ip injections with 0.6 and 3.0 ml ethanol/kg for 7 days also enhanced this activity in a dose-dependent fashion. These results suggest that in the lung, as in the liver, ethanol may influence the metabolic activation of this nitrosamine.