M. T. Büsser, Werner K. Lutz

• In order to investigate whether the Stimulation of liver DNA synthesis might be used to detect one class of hepatic tumor promoters, the incorporation of orally administered radiolabelled thymidine into liver DNA was detennined in rats and mice 24 h after a single oral gavage of test compounds at various dose Ievels. Three DNA-binding hepatocarcinogens, aflatoxin B1; benzidine and carbon tetrachloride, did not stimulate but rather inhibited DNA synthesis (not for CCla). Four hepatic tumor promoters, clofibrate, DDT, phenobarbital andIn order to investigate whether the Stimulation of liver DNA synthesis might be used to detect one class of hepatic tumor promoters, the incorporation of orally administered radiolabelled thymidine into liver DNA was detennined in rats and mice 24 h after a single oral gavage of test compounds at various dose Ievels. Three DNA-binding hepatocarcinogens, aflatoxin B1; benzidine and carbon tetrachloride, did not stimulate but rather inhibited DNA synthesis (not for CCla). Four hepatic tumor promoters, clofibrate, DDT, phenobarbital and thioacetamide, gave rise to a Stimulation in a dosedependent manner. Single oral doses between 0.02 and 0.3 mmol/kg were required to double the level of thymidine incorporation into liver DNA (= doubling dose, DD). Differentes between species or sex as obsprved in long-term carcinogenicity studies were reflected by a different stimulation of liver DNA synthesis. In agreement with the bioassay data, aldrin was positive only in male mice (DD = 0.007 mmol/kg) but not in male rats or female mice. 2,3, 7,8-TCDD was positive in male mice (DD = 10\(^{-6}\) mmol/kg) andin female rats (DD = 2 x 10\(^{-6}\) mmol/kg) but not in male rats. The assay was also able to distinguish between structural isomers with different carcinogenicities. [alpha]Hexachlorocyclohexane stimulated Iiver DNA synthesis with a doubling dose of about 0.2 mmol/kg in male rats whereas the [gamma]isomer was ineffective even at l mmol/kg. So far, only one result was inconsistent with carcinogenicity bioassay data. The different carcinogenicity of di(2-ethylhexyl)adipate (negative in rats) and di(2-ethylhe.xyl)phthalate (positive) was not detectable. 8oth plasticizers were positive in.this short-term system with DD's of 0. 7 mmol/kg for DEHA and 0.5 mmol/kg for DEHP. The proposed assay is discussed as an attempt to devise short-term assays for carcinogens not detected by the routine genotoxicity test systems.…