[Effect of molybdenum Mo on the alkylation of DNA in the liver of rats treated with 14C-diethylnitrosamine].

Effect of molybdenum on the alkylation of DNA in the liver of rats treated with 14C-diethylnitrosamine was studied. When administered orally at a dose of 1 mg/rat/day as (HN4)6 Mo7O24 for 30 days, Mo inhibited the alkylation of DNA in the liver of rats. The level of 3-ethylguanine, N7-ethylguanine and O6-ethylguanine decreased. Simultaneously, the exhalation of 14CO2 and the urinary excretion of 14C- were increased as compared to the controls. At a dose of 5 mg/rat/day, Mo increased the alkylation of DNA in the liver. The amount of 3-ethylguanine, N7-ethylguanine and O6-ethylguanine was higher than that of the controls. The exhalation of 14CO2 and the urinary excretion of 14C- were decreased. The authors believe that the dose of molybdenum is relevant to the role it plays in the carcinogenesis of cell. The role of molybdenum in the carcinogenesis is discussed.