Induction of the aromatic hydrocarbon receptor by trans-4-acetylaminostilbene in rat liver. Comparison with other aromatic amines.

The effect of the aromatic amines 2-acetylaminofluorene (AAF), 2-acetylaminophenanthrene (AAP) and trans-4-acetylaminostilbene (AAS) on the rat hepatic aromatic hydrocarbon (Ah) receptor level was studied. 3-Methylcholanthrene (MC), as a known receptor ligand, was used as a control. The complete liver carcinogen AAF and MC did not alter significantly the hepatic receptor concentration. In contrast, the strong liver tumor initiator AAS doubled the hepatic Ah receptor level when a dose of 20 mumol/kg was administered for 5 days. AAP increased the amount of the receptor 1.5-fold.