In vitro morphological changes induced by 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-(butanone) in fetal hamster respiratory tract tissue.
Previous studies conducted in our laboratories have shown that the tobacco-specific nitrosamine 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) is metabolized by fetal hamster respiratory tissues to form DNA-alkylating and clastogenic intermediates. This study was conducted to explore if morphological changes compatible with such events could be detected. Explants of fetal hamster tracheas and lungs were exposed in vitro to various concentrations of NNK and investigated by light and electron microscopy. The explants demonstrated dose dependent preneoplastic lesions in the trachea, while the lung explants exhibited morphological changes compatible with disturbed production and/or release of surfactant.
Joshi
P A
PA
Experimental Oncology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville 37901.
Schuller
H M
HM
Rossignol
G
G
Castonguay
A
A
D000818:Animals; D002273:Carcinogens; D006224:Cricetinae; D005333:Fetus / Q000187:drug effects*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007633:Keratins / Q000378:metabolism; D008168:Lung / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008647:Mesocricetus; D009602:Nitrosamines / Q000633:toxicity*; D011663:Pulmonary Surfactants / Q000378:metabolism; D014132:Trachea / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure
D002273:Carcinogens; D009602:Nitrosamines; D011663:Pulmonary Surfactants; D007633:Keratins; C016583:4-(N-methyl-N-nitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone