Protective action of polycyclic hydrocarbons against induction of adrenal necrosis by dimethylbenzanthracene.

Treatment of rats with certain polycyclic hydrocarbons shifts the hydroxylation of dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA) by liver microsomes from the side-chain to the ring. Protection by these hydrocarbons against dimethylbenzanthracene-induced adrenal necrosis is possibly achieved by decreasing the yield of the 7-hydroxymethyl derivative of dimethylbenzanthracene which may act as the necrotic agent by virtue of its strutctural resemblance to the adrenocortical steroids.