J. DiPaolo, J. Elis
Sep 1, 1967
Citations
0
Influential Citations
23
Citations
Quality indicators
Journal
Cancer research
Abstract
Summary Ethyl carbamate and a series of related compounds were given in single intraperitoneal doses to pregnant Syrian hamsters on Day 8 of gestation, and fetuses were examined for malformations on Day 13 of gestation. Urethan produced a variety of malformations and growth retardation. Of the compounds modified in the carboethoxy end, n-propyl carbamate was as teratogenic as the ethyl carbamate, and β-hydroxyethyl carbamate had only borderline effect, while allyl carbamate and n-butyl carbamate were completely negative. Four compounds modified in the cabamyl portion of the molecule were tested. Three of these, ethyl N-methylcarbamate, ethyl N-hydroxycarbamate, and diethylcarbonate, were teratogenic; a fourth, ethyl N,N-dimethylcarbamate was not teratogenic. The ethyl N-hydroxycarbamate was the most potent teratogen tested. Although no qualitative differences were found among the various compounds tested, ethyl N-hydroxycarbamate produced a quantitatively greater number of fetuses with malformed extremities and anophthalmia. The diethylcarbonate was as potent as urethan, the ethyl N-methylcarbamate was more teratogenic than urethan, while the ethyl N,N-dimethylcarbamate was negative. The similarity of abnormalities produced by these teratogens suggests a common mechanism of action for these compounds. Striking positive correlations were found between the teratogenic effects in hamsters and skin tumor initiation and lung adenomas in mice.