Tumorigenesis at a Predetermined Oral Site After One Intraperitoneal Injection of N -Nitroso- N -Methylurea

Tumors in the soft tissues of the oral cavity of rats developed at predetermined sites as a result of a combination of an intraperitoneal injection of a direct-acting carcinogen. N-nitro-N-methylurea, and a continuous irritation of the buccal mucosa by a stainless steel wire. The incidence of histologically malignant tumors was significantly higher in the irritated area than in any other area of the body. These results constitute evidence for a carcinogenic mechanism whereby the cells that develop into tumors may require the promotional effect of a nonspecific, nonmutagenic stimulus.