Interrelationship of carcinogen and glucocorticoid in perinatal enzyme induction.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as 3-methylcholanthrene can interrelate certain of their effects with those of glucocorticoid in the fetomaternal unit and the infant. We describe the induction by both classes of compounds in perinatal rat liver of enzymes that modify their biologic activity, and present further evidence for glucocorticoid-mimetic effects of 3-methylcholanthrene. We suggest that some degree of fetal teratogenicity and imprinting of postnatal events can arise from these mimetic effects, which should be taken into consideration along with the more direct perinatal toxicity of these mutagens.