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Skin tumorigenesis in mice by petroleum asphalts and coal-tar pitches of known polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon content

Journal Article · · Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol.; (United States)
The tumorigenic effect of polynuclear hydrocarbons contained in petroleum asphalts and coal-tar pitches was investigated in mice given topical applications of coal-tars and asphalts. Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons contained in the 2 media included coronene, picene, benzo(e)pyrene, chrysene, benz(a)anthracene and phenanthracene. Asphalt (2.5 mg) or coal-tar pitch (1.7 mg) was applied to a 1 square inch zone of the dorsal skin of adult mice twice a wk for periods up to 82 wk. Both coal tar and asphalt induced epidermal hyperplasia. Animals given asphalt frequently developed amyloidosis, particularly in the spleen and kidney. Coal-tar painted animals developed squamous cell carcinomas, benign squamous cell papillomas and keratoacanthomas. Carcinomas were developed by 31 coal-tar treated mice and by 2 asphalt-treated mice. In all, 91% of the animals developed some form of skin tumor. Subcutaneous and internal tumors were observed in all treatment groups, including lung adenomas, malignant lymphomas, and endometrial carcinoma.
Research Organization:
Univ. of Nebraska, Coll. of Medicine, Omaha
OSTI ID:
5702681
Journal Information:
Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol.; (United States), Journal Name: Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol.; (United States) Vol. 18:1; ISSN TXAPA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English