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The Strain Difference in the Induction of Leukemia by Urethan¹

Division of Oncology, The Chicago Medical School, Institute for Medical Research, Chicago, Illinois 60612

The objective of the present investigation was to find out the trends in leukemogenesis in several strains of mice when exposed to identical, leukemogenic, urethan treatments.

C3H, C57BL, and (C57BL x C3H)F₁ mice were exposed to repeated i.p. injections of urethan. The injections were given at 3-day intervals, the first when mice were less than 24 hours of age. Animals received either 3 or 6 treatments (0.7 mg/gm body weight each) totaling 2.1 or 4.2 mg of urethan per gram body weight. The experiment terminated when the mice were 40 weeks of age.

All three strains developed leukemia, although in different incidences. The C57BL were most responsive (49% and 82% for two dose levels), while C3H were the least responsive (12% and 52% for two dose levels). Their F₁ hybrids developed leukemia in an intermediate fashion.

Several factors which might be associated with the strain difference in the development of leukemia are discussed.

¹ This investigation was supported by Contract PH 43-65-67 from the National Cancer Institute, NIH, USPHS.

² Present address: Department of Radiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637.

Received 10/16/68. Accepted 5/ 8/68.