Induction of Malignant Tumors in the Rabbit by Oral Administration of Diethylnitrosamine

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Abstract
Hepatic carcinomas developed in 13 of 13 rabbits receiving diethylnitrosamine in their drinking water (0.042 g/liter, 6 days a week) for periods ranging from 52 to 82 weeks. A hepatoma was found in 1 animal receiving diethylnitrosamine for 28 weeks; animals autopsied before 28 weeks had no tumors. Most tumors were a mixed type including trabecular, adenocarcinomatous, sarcomatous, and anaplastic patterns. The tumors invaded lymphatic and blood vessels and metastasized to the lymph nodes, omentum, lungs, kidneys, adrenals, spleen, heart, ovaries, and body wall. The only other tumor found was an adenocarcinoma of the lung. Some comparisons and differences of the diethylnitrosamine-induced tumors in rabbits and guinea pigs are discussed.