The effect of beta-carotene on BP-induced respiratory tract tumors in hamsters.
The modifying effect of beta-carotene on benzo[a]pyrene (BP)-induced tumors of the respiratory tract was investigated in Syrian hamsters. Groups of hamsters were fed a semisynthetic diet supplemented with either no or 56 mg/kg beta-carotene. Respiratory tract tumors were induced by intratracheal instillation of BP attached to ferric oxide. The beta-carotene and vitamin A contents of the liver were increased in the high beta-carotene group, but the serum beta-carotene levels were very low when compared with those commonly observed in humans. beta-Carotene supplementation did not affect the tumor response of the respiratory tract. Neither the incidence and severity of preneoplastic changes were influenced. However, there was a statistically significant inverse relationship between serum retinol content and the presence of respiratory tract tumors in survivors, regardless of the dietary treatment.
TNO-CIVO Toxicology and Nutrition Institute, Zeist, The Netherlands.
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Beems
D000818:Animals; D001564:Benzo(a)pyrene; D001835:Body Weight; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006224:Cricetinae; D002149:Energy Intake; D008647:Mesocricetus; D012142:Respiratory Tract Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced*; D019207:beta Carotene
D019207:beta Carotene; D001564:Benzo(a)pyrene; D002338:Carotenoids