INITIATION OF SKIN TUMOUR FORMATION IN MICE BY N-HYDROXYCARBAMATES

Various esters of N-hydroxycarbamic acid were tested for their potency to effect the initiation stage of skin carcinogenesis in mice. They were administered by subcutaneous injection, followed by 'promoting treatment' with croton oil. Their activity was compared with that of ethyl carbamate. Ethyl N-hydroxycarbamate induced about the same number of tumours as the equivalent dose of ethyl carbamate. In the doses tested, the homologous methyl, propyl, and n-butyl N -hydroxycarbamates as well as ethyl N-methyl-N-hydroxycarbamate were all ineffective. The number of tumours initiated was increased by treating the skin with acetic acid prior to the injection of ethyl N-hydroxycarbamate. © 1969 Informa UK Ltd All rights reserved: reproduction in whole or part not permitted.