Induction of active melanocytes in mouse skin by carcinogens: a new method for detection of skin carcinogens.
Application of potent skin carcinogens, such as 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene, 3-methylcholanthrene, benzo[a]pyrene and 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide, induced numerous dihydroxyphenylalanine (dopa)-positive cells in the interfollicular epidermis of C57BL/6 mice in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. Chrysene, a weak skin carcinogen, and croton oil, a tumor promoter, also induced 3--4 times more dopa-positive cells than acetone. Liver carcinogens, such as 3'-methyl-4-dimethylaminoazobenzene and N-2-acetylaminofluorene, and non-carcinogenic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as anthracene, fluoranthene, fluorene and pyrene, did not induce increase in these cells. These results indicate that increase in the number of dopa-positive cells after application of chemicals is well correlated with the abilities of these compounds to induce skin carcinogenesis and suppress sebaceous glands.
D000818:Animals; D002273:Carcinogens / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008544:Melanocytes / Q000187:drug effects*; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D012867:Skin / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced*
D002273:Carcinogens