Aspects of Experimental Hepatocarcinogenesis

Abstract

In order to investigate the possible influence of iron overload in the liver on the carcinogenic action of p-dimethylaminoazobenzene (p-DAB), a group of 40 rats was fed 4% ferric citrate in maize until the livers became quite markedly siderotic. p-DAB was then fed to the animals. No difference was observed between the experimental and con:rol groups with regard to the final number of liver tumours which were produced. In the siderotic animals the fibrous tissue septa were occasionally broader than is usually the case in the controls and a prominent bile ductal response was sometimes evoked. It is concluded that iron overload does not significantly influence  the action of a fairly potent carcinogen such as p-DAB.

S. Afr. Med. J., 48, 1293 (1974).