Strain a Mouse Lung Tumor Bioassay

Abstract

This report summarizes data on the testing of 228 chemicals for carcinogenic activity by the strain A mouse lung adenoma bioassay. The assay is of six months duration and can distinguish two-fold dose differences in carcinogenic potential of compounds from a variety of chemical classes. Most compounds that induced lung tumors in strain A mice have also evoked a neoplastic response in other experimental animal bioassays and/or demonstrated mutagenic activity in various short-term tests. Recommendations are made for future studies on the: (a) distribution and metabolism of chemicals in strain A mouse lung tissue and in specific lung cell types, (b) ability of the lung adenoma bioassay to detect promoting agents, and (c) use of the bioassay to investigate the interactions of more than one chemical.