In vitro transformation of hamster chondrocytes by 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide.

Hamster sternal chondrocytes were transfored morphologically in vitro 29-51 days after exposure to 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide for 3 h. The transformed chondrocytes were randomly oriented, piled up and grew continuously. These cells produced nodules when transferred to the cheek pouch of a hamster. Histologically, these nodules revealed chondromatous patterns. Untreated cells in the control cultures failed to produce nodules.