Induction of duodenal tumors in F344 rats by continuous oral administration of N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea.

Forty male and 40 female inbred F344 rats were given a solution of 400 mg N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea/liter in their drinking water. Digestive tract tumors were induced in 32 males (an incidence rate of 80%) and in 28 females (an incidence rate of 70%). Among these digestive tract neoplasms, duodenal tumors occurred most frequently. Most were of the epithelial type, such as adenoma or adenocarcinoma. Tumors in hematopoletic organs were also found in 15 males (38% incidence) and in 17 females (43% incidence).