Teratogenic and carcinogenic effects of some chemicals during perinatal life in rats, Syrian golden hamsters, and minipigs.

Teratogenic effects of ENU have been observed in the rat, Syrian golden hamster, and minipig. In BD and Wistar rats, as well as in hamsters, ENU is a potent carcinogen when administered prenatally. Other members of the homologous series of alkylnitrosoureas, except n-propylnitrosourea, have been shown to be less active or totally inactive as carcinogens in experiments on prenatal animals. Simultaneous oral administration of L-citrulline and sodium nitrite induced adenosarcomas of the kidney (Wilm's tumors) in 6 of 22 offspring. The importance of prophylactic measures in man during prenatal development is emphasized.