Induction of tumors of peripheral nervous system in female Donryu rats by continuous oral administration of 1-methyl-1-nitrosourea.

Groups 1, 2, and 3 of female Donryu rats were given continuously 400, 200, or 100 ppm solution of 1-methyl-1-nitrosourea (MNU) as their drinking water. The incidence of neurogenic tumors was 12/27 (44%), 39/33 (91%), and 33/36 (92%) in Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Among the neurogenic tumors, neurinomas developing from the spinal nerve roots were the most frequent. In addition, tumors of the digestive tract were found in 12, 1, and 2 rats in Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively, and tumors in hematopoietic tissues developed in 6 rats. Tumors in other organs were infrequent.