An in vitro model of pancreas carcinoma: N-nitroso-bis(2-hydroxypropyl)amine effects.

The carcinogenic effects of BHP in organ-cultured embryonic rat pancreas was demonstrated by both the transplacental route followed by organ culture and by direct addition on BHP to the culture medium. Both methods appeared efficient for in vitro induction of adenocarcinoma. The incidence of carcinoma was 70% by direct addition and 55% through transplacental administration. No acinar cell carcinoma developed in vitro, but the incidence of islet adenoma (54%) and islet carcinoma (11%) were relatively high. Transplacentally, BHP failed to produce any pancreatic tumor in vivo.