• 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 72  (5) , 713-716
Abstract
The metabolic fate of N-methyl-N-dodecylnitrosamine (MDN) was investigated in the rat to elucidate a possible correlation between urinary metabolites and organotropic carcinogenicity to the urinary bladder of this N-nitrosamine. MDN was extensively metabolized in the rat, no unchanged MDN being found in the urine. The urinary metabolites identified were N-methyl-N-(3-carboxypropyl) nitrosamine (MCPN,) N-methyl-N-(2-hydroxy-3-carboxypropyl)nitrosamine, N-methyl-N-(carboxymethyl)nitrosamine and N-methyl-N-(2-oxopropyl)nitrosamine. The metabolic pattern of MDN was essentially similar to that of N-methyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine, a potent bladder carcinogen, in the rat. A possible important role of MCPN in the induction of bladder tumors by MDN is discussed.