The effects of different MNNG (N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine)-doses on the stomach and the upper small intestine of the rat. II. The frequency of intestinal metaplasia.

N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) was given to 3 groups of male Wistar rats in different doses of 25 micrograms/ml, 50 micrograms/ml and 100 micrograms/ml with their drinking water for 32 weeks. After 50 weeks the antrum region of the stomach was investigated by serial sections. All animals showed tubules with metaplastic intestinal epithelium. The different values of metaplastic glands in the antrum region of the stomach were 187 (25 micrograms MNNG), 76 (50 micrograms MNNG) and 51 (100 micrograms MNNG). They indicate an inverse relationship of the frequency of intestinal metaplasia and the MNNG dose. As opposed to this dose-response pattern, cytotoxic alterations, regenerative hyperplastic lesions and tumours of the stomach are more frequent after medium of high MNNG doses. It is therefore suggested that the induction of intestinal metaplasia is a specific effect of the carcinogen mainly in the low dose range.