Induction of epithelial neoplasms by local application of N-nitrosobis(2-hydroxypropyl)amine and N-nitrosobis(2-acetoxypropyl)amine.

The local carcinogenic effect of N-nitrosobis(2-hydroxypropyl)amine (BHP) and N-nitrosobis(2-acetoxypropyl)amine (BAP) in Syrian golden hamsters was elucidated by weekly application to the cheek pouch, lip and vaginal epithelium. The tumor type and incidence in BHP- and BAP-treated hamsters, respectively, was as follows: trichoepitheliomas of the lip, 80 and 90%; cheek pouch papillomas, 10 and 0%, and vaginal papillomas, 80 and 70%. Other lesions were recorded in the perineum, rectum and external urethral ostium and could have been due to a local effect of these nitrosamines. In addition, internal organ tumors were observed with each compound and were possibly caused by absorption of the carcinogens.