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The Induction of Malignant Melanomas in Syrian White Hamster by Neonatal Exposure to Urethan¹

Division of Oncology, Institute for Medical Research, The Chicago Medical School [S. D. V., N. M.], and Department of Pathology, Pritzker School of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637 [W. R. R.]

Urethan was administered to newborn Syrian white hamsters to disclose their neoplastic competence. The first treatment was given within 24 hr of birth, and four subsequent injections were given at 3-day intervals. The survivors were sacrificed at 120 weeks of age.

The urethan-treated animals developed malignant melanomas which metastasized to regional lymph nodes, lungs, kidneys, and liver. None of the untreated controls showed any melanomas either clinically or at autopsy. The melanoma-bearing hamsters had significantly shorter life-spans than did the untreated controls. A variety of other primary tumors, such as stomach papillomas, hepatocarcinomas, and kidney adenomas, which were not seen in the controls developed in the carcinogen-treated animals, although with a low frequency.

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, Ill. 60637.

Received 3/ 2/70. Accepted 7/ 1/70.