The induction of renal tumours by feeding basic lead acetate to mice and hamsters

Abstract

Chronic experiments with mice and hamsters were carried out to study whether basic lead acetate would be carcinogenic to these animals. Basic lead acetate was given to mice in a dose level of 0·1 and 1·0/0·5 per cent and to hamsters in a dose level of 0·1 and 0·5 per cent in the diet. In mice in the 0.1 per cent group 7 renal tumours were found in 50 animals. in the 1·0/0·5 per cent group only 1 renal tumour was found. Most mice of the 1·0/0·5 per cent group and hamsters of the 0·5 per cent group died early in the experiment, because of an intoxication by the basic lead acetate. In hamsters no tumours of the kidneys could be found. Other specific alterations of the kidney (these changes could be ascribed to the basic lead acetate) were found in both animal species. © 1969, The British Empire Cancer Campaign for Research. All rights reserved.