Tumor induction by carcinogenic agents in anuran amphibian Rana temporaria.

Effects of 12 chemical cancerogenic agents have been studied in 910 anuran amphibia of the grass frog Rana temporaria. Tumors developed by administration of 8 of the agents studied. Dimethyl, diethyl and dibutylnitrosamines dissolved in water induced tumors in 44.2, 43.6 and 50% of animals, respectively; benzidine and 2-acetylaminofluorene administered subcutaneously and per os--in 46.6 and 41.2%, respectively, whereas p-dimethylaminoazobenzene and orthoaminoazotoluene (per os and subcutaneously)-in 30--33.3% of cases. Diethylstilbestrol-propionate induced tumors in 21% of cases. All the tumors developed within relatively short periods of time (15.6--31.9 weeks) and were located in the liver (hepatocellular cancer, hepatoadenomas) and the haemopoetic system (hemocytoblastosis). In control group of animals 3 amphibia developed multiple tumors of skin-cystadenopapillomas. The results obtained testify to the common mechanism of cancerogenesis in classes of vertebrates. In addition, the findings presented indicate to the suitability of amphibia as a new experimental object in oncology as well as to the applicability of these animals for purposes of express diagnostics of cancerogenicity. It may successfully serve as a biological indicator of environmental pollution with blastomogenic agents.