Methyl Methanesulphonate and Bladder Cancer in Rats
Author Information
Author(s): R.J. Tudor, N.J. Severs, R.M. Hicks
Primary Institution: School of Pathology, The Middlesex Hospital Medical School
Hypothesis
Can multiple doses of methyl methanesulphonate (MMS) promote tumor development in previously initiated rat bladder?
Conclusion
Methyl methanesulphonate significantly increases the incidence of bladder cancer in rats previously treated with N-methyl-N-nitrosourea.
Supporting Evidence
- 6 doses of 2.5mg MMS produced a 7% incidence of bladder cancer.
- After MNU treatment, MMS increased bladder cancer incidence to 56%.
- The incidence of bladder cancer was significantly higher with MMS after MNU than with MNU alone.
Takeaway
This study shows that a chemical called MMS can make bladder cancer more likely in rats that have already been exposed to another cancer-causing chemical.
Methodology
F344 rats were treated with N-methyl-N-nitrosourea followed by multiple doses of MMS, and their bladder health was monitored over two years.
Limitations
The study was conducted on a specific strain of rats, which may not represent all populations.
Participant Demographics
SPF female F344 rats aged 6-8 weeks at the start of treatment.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.02
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